New Zealand has announced it will assist Fiji with immediate relief efforts.

NZ Foreign Minister Murray McCully says as a first step, NZ will make $50,000 immediately available to respond to specific requests from Fiji.

Tarpaulins, water containers, generators and chainshaw packs are on the way to Fiji on a commercial flight.

A contribution of $170,000 to the Fiji Red Cross will help to replenish supplies.
McCully says they expect to provide more funding once damage assessments are complete.