New Zealand steps up cyclone recovery aid to Samoa

WELLINGTON, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government announced Monday it was stepping up its aid to Samoa to help the Pacific island nation's recovery from Cyclone Evan, which killed 14 people when it struck in December last year.

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said New Zealand would give another 6 million NZ dollars (4.85 million U.S. dollars), bringing its total support in the wake of the cyclone to 12.6 million NZ dollars.

"The Samoan government is working as quickly as possible to repair and rebuild. New Zealand is committed to supporting that effort," McCully said in a statement.

"This funding will go toward general reconstruction activities, with a focus on rebuilding for resistance to future natural disasters," he said.

"It will assist in the rebuilding of public infrastructure and essential public services, helping businesses and producers get back to full capacity, and minimising the negative impacts of Cyclone Evan on the Samoan economy."

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