The governments of Australia and New Zealand have further expressed their commitment to assisting the people of Fiji in the rehabilitation efforts in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Tomas.

In a joint statement, the two governments have pledged further financial assistance to Fiji and say they are working together to assist in the rebuilding of homes, schools and health centers affected by the cyclone.

Australian Acting High Commissioner to Fiji Sarah Roberts said Australia will now contribute a further AUS$1 million which is in addition to the $1million Australian dollars previously announced by Foreign Minister Steven Smith in March this year.

NZ Acting High Commissioner to Fiji Philip Taula also revealed that NZ has pledged a further NZ$600,000 towards the rehabilitation works, which is also an addition to the NZ$1 million offered by the New Zealand government earlier.

The two governments also say that the reconstruction and repair works of schools and houses will be undertaken by Habitat for Humanity Fiji which has a track record of successful delivery of house reconstruction and cyclone proofing following the January 2009 floods.