New Zealand launches fundraiser for post-cyclone reconstruction

New Zealand will launch a global fundraiser for the reconstruction work needed Cyclone Gabrielle hit the country’s northern region in February, which forced thousands of citizens into shelters and killed 11 people.

The appeal aims to fund long term recovery projects, targeting wealthy expatriates in the country, businesses, and anyone who is sympathizing with the country. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Chris Hipkins, said on Monday that Meta, Facebook owner, offered to promote the appeal.

When announcing the initiative at a news conference, Hipkins said “one of the things we know from past events is that there are people abroad with very strong connections to New Zealand who want to be able to make a contribution,”

The appeal will follow the model of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake fundraiser which gathered more than 57.94 million dollars.

The cyclone hit the northern part of the country on the 12th of February, battering roads and bridges, leaving almost a third of the area living in a power cut. The police officers are still searching for four missing people.

The third state of emergency in the country’s history has been announced and will continue in cyclone hit-regions.

Hipkins also said that the government was considering all options to be able pay for the reconstruction. Forecast will be a similar price tag to the NZ$13.5 billion spent after the Christchurch earthquake.

The government is already facing pressure to avoid spending a lot of money that might worsen the ongoing inflation.

The inflation in New Zealand is increasing after the central bank of New Zealand raised the interest rates to the highest level in 14 years. The central bank is warning of more hikes to come.