Schools are yet to reopen in many parts of Tonga where communities are still reeling from the devastation wrought by the January 15 volcanic eruption and tsunami.
In an urgent bid to help the children of Tonga, New Zealand celebrity chef Robert Oliver MNZM has teamed up with UNICEF Aotearoa for a money can't buy charity auction.
Launched on Trade Me on Friday the To Tonga With Love auction features items such as a costume worn by Academy Award winning actress Marisa Tomei in the latest Spider-Man film, a private banquet and opera evening with performers including Pene Pati of SOL3 MIO and a $30,000 home solar power system installed by Tongan-born ex-All Black Charles Riechelmann.
Robert Oliver joins me now alongside Dr Frances Vulivuli from UNICEF who has just arrived in Tonga to help out with the relief effort on the ground.
On 22 January 2022, Ma'ata Finau, 10 years old, stands in front of her home in Kanokupolu village on Tongatapu, Tongaâs main island, showing the damage caused by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haâapai underwater volcano eruption and tsunami. Photo: © UNICEF/UN0582143/Wolfgramm
