Fonterra has announced a $1 million donation towards recovery efforts to earthquake-affected Christchurch and the surrounding regions.
Fonterra Chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden said the donation would be made to the local Mayoral Relief Fund.
“We are very concerned for people in the region, especially those coping with significant damage to their homes," he said. "We know the donation will be put to good and immediate use as people try to cope with the very difficult conditions. We encourage other companies to do the same.”
Fonterra tankers have been stationed at local emergency centres and are delivering water to the community. The company is also working with the civil defence team to provide food and milk for the public through emergency centres.
An estimated 20 percent of farms in the area are still without power.
However, Fonterra CEO Andrew Ferrier said the company was continuing to collect milk from local farmers.
“We are helping to source generators for farmers or arranging for them to milk at neighbours’ properties,” said Mr Ferrier.
Fonterra’s manufacturing sites at Clandeboyne, Takaka, Brightwater and Kaikoura are operating and processing milk. The company’s Plains manufacturing site resumed operation on Sunday after minor damages.