A close friend of the man who died after a tornado hit south Auckland on Saturday has set up a Givealittle page to help support the family.
Janesh Prasad was working as a contractor at Auckland Ports' Wiri facility when he was picked up and carried across the container yard in the wild weather on Saturday. He leaves behind his wife Mala, 13-year-old daughter Ashley, and 10-year-old son Jesh.
Over $20,000 has been raised so far to help with his funeral arrangements.
"We need some help from [the] New Zealand community to assist Maya and the two children financially," the Givealittle page says.
"Your donation will be a great help to Mala and the kids, allowing them to maintain [as] normal life as possible."
The Government announced earlier on Sunday that Auckland communities damaged by the tornado will get a $100,000 donation.
Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi says the money will go to a Mayoral Relief Fund, which helps communities bounce back after an emergency.
"My heart goes out to the family and friends who have lost a loved one, and to those who have been injured. I know this has been a distressing weekend for people in Auckland, with many lives disrupted, and many homes and businesses damaged," Faafoi says.
"While it's too early to know the full cost of the damage, this initial contribution will help those communities start to get back on their feet.
"We will stay in contact with Auckland Council, which is contributing a similar amount to the fund, to see what further assistance may be needed as site assessments are completed in the coming days."
The money can be used to meet the needs of affected families and individuals, community organisations, or marae.
