New Zealand Delivers Urgent Aid to PNG’s Cyclone-Hit Communities

Papua New Guinea is receiving urgent humanitarian support from New Zealand as recovery efforts continue in East New Britain after Tropical Cyclone Maila left widespread damage across the province.

Emergency supplies were flown into Rabaul this week, marking a key step in assisting affected residents. The delivery, carried out by a Royal New Zealand Air Force Hercules aircraft, included relief items organised through the National Disaster Centre.

 New Zealand Delivers Urgent Aid to PNG’s Cyclone-Hit Communities/Photo credit : NZ Airforce 

The supplies—ranging from shelter materials to medical and hygiene items, along with food aid from Australia—are being distributed to communities facing severe shortages.

Helicopter operations have played a crucial role in transporting the assistance from Rabaul into remote locations, where access remains a challenge due to damaged roads and terrain.

Authorities said coordination between national and provincial disaster teams has ensured that the most vulnerable communities are prioritised in the rollout of aid.

New Zealand officials, together with members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, are working side by side to support relief operations on the ground.

New Zealand High Commissioner H.E. Georgina Roberts said the effort highlights strong regional cooperation.

“New Zealand remains committed to working with regional partners to respond to humanitarian needs in the Pacific,” she said.

“We are pleased to be working alongside our close partners including Papua New Guinea, Australia, the United States, and non-government organisations such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to deliver this assistance. Yumi mas wok bung wantaim long gutpela sindaun bilong olgeta.”