The Tongan community is appealing for help to rebuild churches, parsonages and businesses, following the category five tropical cyclone earlier this year.

To raise funds for the rebuild, an appeal has been launched called the Ha’apai Tekina-I-Moana (Ha’apai Drifting in the Deep Sea) appeal.

Some three months on, despite the fact much of the international media has moved on to other disasters in places such as the Solomon Islands, South Korea and Malaysia, the Ha’apai island group in in the north of Tonga are still dealing with the storm’s aftermath.

Methodist Church President Reverend Rex Nathan says official reports from the Tongan government indicate Cyclone Ian destroyed 80 per cent of family properties and 90 per cent of church buildings on the island group’s main island.

And while the Government has declared it will assist, in partnership with the World Bank and foreign donors, to help rebuild people’s homes, churches and businesses will have to do their own repairs, maintenance and rebuilding.

Representative from the Tongan Methodist Church, Reverend Setaita Veikune, says while it’s understandable that such property is the church’s responsibility, it will be tough for the Tongan community.

Church ministers and stewards are without homes and all Methodist churches on the island have either been completely destroyed or are no longer accessible.

A total of 21 church buildings require total rebuilding with 19 others requiring major repair works.

Reverend Rex says the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga has set a of target of NZ$ 4 million to help cover the costs for rebuilding church properties, chapels, church halls and ministers’ houses in Ha’apai.

“The money will be used to source some of the most urgently needed items – building tools, materials, timber and anything related to the building trade.

He says offers from the community of time, building expertise and materials will also be appreciated.

General secretary of the Methodist Church, Reverend David Bush, says it’s hoped that the wider community will pitch in to help the Tongan churches in New Zealand raise money and promote the appeal.

“We thought it was a significant burden for the Tongan church that it shouldn’t have to carry alone, he says.

“We want the community to get behind the Tongans to organise a fundraiser – concerts, shared meals and dinners and community events together.

“It’s an opportunity to have fun while raising money to help those in need.”

Setaita Veikune, says almost all Tongan Methodist families in New Zealand have been affected by Cyclone Ian

“A majority of these families are juggling to make ends meet here in New Zealand, while also being expected to help relatives in Ha’apai who have nowhere or no-one else to turn to,” she says.

Reverend Rex says any gesture of help would be appreciated.

“Every little bit of help where we can, will mean our Pacific Island friends will have a roof over their heads.”