PRESS RELEASE

Mai TV, ANZ and The Fiji Times team up for Christchurch appeal

SUVA (March 8, 2011) – Mai TV has joined ANZ and Fiji Times Limited in a national appeal launched today to help Fijians and New Zealanders affected by the Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand.

Up to 80 Fijian families in Christchurch have been badly affected by the magnitude 6.3 earthquake that struck New Zealand’s second largest city on February 22. Three families had their homes badly damaged and have had to find other places to live. In all about 300 Fijians have been affected in some way, according to the Fiji Mission in Wellington.

ANZ has provided an account for the appeal which will be driven by Mai TV and The Fiji Times through their media outlets.

Those who contribute to this appeal qualify for a 100 per cent tax rebate up to a maximum of $100,000, the Ministry of Finance has confirmed.

Funds raised will go to the Fiji Red Cross which will channel the money to the New Zealand Red Cross. The NZ Red Cross will then distribute aid to the affected families. Part of the proceeds will also be donated to the Fiji High Commission in Wellington who will then coordinate the distribution to the affected Fijian families.

“It’s in these times that we can rise to the occasion to help our neighbours in need. New Zealand has a close bond to many of our people and we feel it is simply the right thing to do,” says Mai TV Chief Executive Officer Richard Broadbridge.

“Mai is but one of many organisations and individuals pitching in to assist right now. We are doing all we can to help the people of Christchurch rebuild,” says Broadbridge.

The General Manager of The Fiji Times, Brian O’Flaherty says: “The Fiji Times is pleased to support the appeal and will be advertising and promoting it in our publications and on Fiji Times Online. It is important that we help those whose lives were so tragically affected by the disaster.”

Through its extensive banking network, ANZ is in the perfect position to provide the services to run this appeal.
Norman Wilson, CEO Central Pacific Region and CEO Fiji, says: “In this instance ANZ has offered assistance through the provision of an ANZ account. We are also pleased to advise that ANZ Australia and New Zealand staff have raised more than NZD4.5 million towards the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.”

Live coverage from New Zealand of the recovery and rebuilding effort will be aired daily on Mai TV and donors’ names will be published in The Fiji Times. The appeal will run for a month and will be extended should the need arise.

Donations can be deposited at ANZ using the following details:
ANZ Account Number: 10902417
ANZ Fiji Swift code: ANZBFJFX
BSB: 010890 (ANZ House)

ENDS

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