HURRICANE KATRINA: NZ CONDOLENCES, OFFERS OF

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000668 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/ANP NSC FOR VICTOR CHA SECDEF FOR OSD/ISA LIZ PHU PACOM FOR J2/J233/J5/SJFHQ E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID NZ SUBJECT: HURRICANE KATRINA: NZ CONDOLENCES, OFFERS OF ASSISTANCE ¶1. Roy Ferguson, Americas Desk Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT),called post today to convey GNZ condolences at the loss of life and devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. He said GNZ stands ready to help in any way as needed, noting that in the past NZ firefighters have for example helped fight US forest fires. He also said the Prime Minister would be writing to the President to express condolences. ¶2. Post has also received numerous phone calls from New Zealanders expressing concern and offering assistance. We have directed MFAT and other callers to FEMA's website. We have also shared with MFAT the Department's guidance about assisting third country national callers seeking contact with those in affected areas. Burnett