14 November 2013 - New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced yesterday, November 13, the postponement of his official visit to the Philippines, citing concern that it “would place undue pressure on the Philippine Government at a critical time of the relief and recovery phase.”  

The Prime Minister, who was scheduled to undertake his official visit from November 20 to 22, took the opportunity to announce New Zealand’s deployment of a Royal New Zealand Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft to carry emergency supplies to the Philippines and to provide transport support to relief efforts.

New Zealand has already pledged NZ$2.15 million (PhP 77,276,500) in humanitarian assistance in response to the disaster wrought by typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).  New Zealand will also provide NZ$2.3 million (PhP 82,667,900) to augment disaster relief supplies for the Philippine Red Cross.

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Minister Key had earlier spoken via telephone during which the Prime Minister conveyed his country’s sympathies and condolences for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.  President Aquino thanked Prime Minister Key for his message and for the humanitarian support being provided by New Zealand. 

On November 12, Prime Minister Key led a motion in the New Zealand House of Representatives to express “support for the people and the Government of the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan [Yolanda], our solidarity with those waiting for news about friends and family, and our condolences to those who have lost loved ones.” A motion is a formal proposal put to the House or a committee for debate and usually a vote.  Said motion was supported by other party leaders, who also expressed their sympathies for the communities affected by Yolanda.  END