Toyota NZ donates $10,000 towards Tonga Tsunami relief

Toyota New Zealand is going an extra mile to aid Tongan families after January’s devastating tsunamis.

On January 15, a volcanic eruption hundreds of times more powerful than an exploding atomic bomb triggered tsunami waves that battered the small island nation. 

The waves destroyed several coastal villages, leaving thousands homeless and three dead.

The full scale of damage around the island remains unknown as communication links were knocked out by the tsunami and will take weeks to restore.

Rebuilding what was lost will cost millions and take several years. Still, Toyota New Zealand has committed itself to contribute to the recovery aid.

The company will donate $10,000 towards the aid as part of a $260,000 combined donation through UNICEF from Toyota’s South Pacific distribution groups.

Toyota New Zealand, Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, Toyota Tshysho South Pacific Holdings Pty Ltd and Toyota Tshysho Papua New Guinea have created ‘One Toyota Oceania’ to support Tonga’s relief.

“As we see the very real and devastating aftermath in Tonga from the eruption of Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha’apai, we would like to express our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga,” Toyota New Zealand CEO Neeraj Lala said.

“With communications, infrastructure and food crops severely damaged, there is an urgent need for water and emergency food supplies. Our emergency grant will help our neighbouring whānau in Tonga with much needed relief.”