Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister)
: I seek leave to move a motion without notice relating to the recent Chilean earthquake.
Mr SPEAKER: Is there any objection to that course of action being followed? There is none.
Hon JOHN KEY: I move,
That this Parliament expresses its sympathy and concerns to the people of Chile following the recent earthquake. On 27 February Chile was hit by a devastating earthquake measuring 8.8 on the Richter scale that killed hundreds of people, damaged hundreds of thousands of homes, and affected an estimated 2 million people. Chile continues to suffer significant aftershocks. New Zealand’s deepest sympathy goes out to the Government and the people of Chile as they face the enormous losses and damage caused by this earthquake.
Our Government has announced a contribution of NZ$500,000 to international efforts to support Chile. These efforts have been channelled through the Red Cross, which is best placed to purchase the necessary supplies required by Chile from within the region. Although Chile has well-established disaster response systems, this earthquake is a major catastrophe for our close friend and partner. New Zealand officials are in touch with Chilean authorities, and will look for ways to provide further support to Chile as it focuses on reconstruction. The rebuilding and reparation of damaged homes and infrastructure will be a major focus for President Sebastian Pinera as he begins his presidential term. I wrote to President Pinera, as well as to the previous President, Michelle Bachelet, following the earthquake to express my shock and sadness at this disaster. I also made it clear that New Zealand stood ready to contribute to the international effort to assist Chile. Both of them have expressed their thanks.
As New Zealanders we know only too well the threat a major earthquake can pose, and as New Zealanders we extend our heartfelt sympathy to those Chileans who have made their home in this country. We stand alongside our close friend and partner Chile as it looks to recover from this natural disaster.
