The New Zealand government is providing cyclone-damaged Tonga with a $10 million assistance and recovery fund.

In February, Cyclone Gita ripped through the Pacific island and destroyed or partially damaged around 2,000 homes in Tonga.

“Many communities are still without power and schools are without essential materials,” Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said. “It is a huge burden on so many families in Tonga and we are helping them recover.”

The Prime Minister said the package will support the Tongan government’s recovery planning and will focus on the restoration of the electricity network and helping children continue their schooling.

She also said the government will work with Tonga to provide school children with materials and assistance as well as in getting schools back up and running as soon as possible.

“New Zealand is already heavily involved in supporting the electricity sector in Tonga so it makes sense for us to focus on helping restore power to homes and communities,” Ardern stated. “The electricity network is also vital to restoring other essential services such as water.

“New Zealand is committed to standing with our Pacific neighbours during times of natural disaster and we know first-hand how difficult the recovery effort can be following a significant event.”