The Australian High Commission is working closely with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States missions, to support the Government of Papua New Guinea in delivering a robust relief effort following Tropical Cyclone Maila.
This multi-partner response underscores a shared commitment to Papua New Guinea and the wider Pacific, ensuring humanitarian assistance is delivered efficiently, effectively, and in response to Papua New Guinea’s requests.
New Zealand has deployed a Royal New Zealand Air Force C‑130 aircraft to deliver medical supplies, humanitarian assistance, and food – including Australian‑provided food and US supplies. An NH90 helicopter has assisted last mile delivery of PNG and partners’ supplies to affected communities in Bougainville and East New Britain.
The United Kingdom has provided food and non-food humanitarian supplies including hygiene kits for women impacted by the Cyclone to Milne Bay, delivered by the Australian Defence Force. The UK is a longstanding contributor to the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and Red Crescent Societies’ Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF), which are supporting response efforts in PNG.
The United States has provided urgent humanitarian assistance delivered by the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces. Under the leadership of Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Centre, this coordinated partnership has deployed 2,000 emergency supply kits to families in need. These kits include kitchen sets, plastic tarpaulins, shelter repair materials, and essential hygiene supplies.
In coordinating the national response, the Government of Papua New Guinea has welcomed the support of development partners working with local authorities to undertake impact assessments and ensure affected communities receive the relief items required to begin recovery.
Australia will continue to work closely with partners to support the Government of Papua New Guinea’s recovery planning - helping communities rebuild lives and livelihoods following this disaster.
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Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and Special Envoy for Pacific Affairs, His Excellency Mr Ewen McDonald
“Coordinating with regional partners under the leadership of the Government of Papua New Guinea has ensured relief was provided to those in most need efficiently and effectively. We stand side by side with the people of Papua New Guinea in this time of need, as you have stood with Australia.”
New Zealand High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea,
Her Excellency Ms Georgina Roberts
“New Zealand remains committed to working with regional partners to respond to humanitarian needs in the Pacific. Working alongside our close partners in Papua New Guinea, we have delivered more than 85,000 lb of supplies in the past week. Yumi mas wok bung wantaim long gutpela sindaun bilong olgeta.”
United States Chargé d’Affaires, Mr Alex Berenberg
“The United States is delivering urgent humanitarian assistance in partnership with the New Zealand Defence Force, the Australian Defence Force, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Under the leadership of Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Centre, this coordinated partnership has made available 2,000 emergency supply kits for families in need that can help over 10,000 affected people. These kits include kitchen sets, plastic tarpaulins, shelter repair materials, and essential hygiene supplies.”
British High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Mr Paul Eastwood
“Communities in Milne Bay have suffered tremendously from Tropical Cyclone Maila, alongside those in Bougainville and New Britain, and I extend my deepest sympathies to everyone who has been affected.”
“I am pleased that the United Kingdom, working closely with Australia as a key humanitarian partner, has been able to support relief operations.”
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Food and non-food humanitarian supplies including hygiene kits for women provided by the United Kingdom. (Photo credit: British High Commission, Port Moresby).
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100