The New Zealand government has announced a $1.6 million package of support to Sulawesi following the earthquake and tsunami event impacting the Indonesian island.

The Central Sulawesi administration has declared a 14-day state of emergency with Indonesian search, rescue and retrieval efforts underway.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters said the assistance package includes a $1.5 million contribution to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies emergency appeal.

He noted that a further $100,000 will be made available for the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta to respond to other immediate needs.

“New Zealand remains in close contact with the Indonesian government and stands ready to offer further help in what is a large and complex recovery effort,” the minister added.