Tonga PM Honors Matson’s New Zealand Team

Tonga PM Honors Matson’s New Zealand Team

2022 Q3

On his first official visit to New Zealand, the Prime Minister of Tonga, Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, went out of his way to meet with Matson’s key staff in Auckland. Hu’akavameiliku paid the special visit to acknowledge the company’s donation of relief goods and free shipping of community-donated goods from families and other donors in New Zealand to Nuku’alofa following the underwater eruption of the Hunga Ha’apai volcano in January.

“We are extremely grateful to Matson for their generosity and support of our people and the wider Tongan community,” said Hu’akavameiliku to Matangi Tonga News.
Matson’s Liloa II was the first vessel to call on The Port of Nuku’alofa following the eruption and tsunami that followed.

In addition to the NZD 350,000 in goods and services donated by Matson, the company also held a company-matched employee donation drive, which raised an additional USD $20,000 for the New Zealand Red Cross’ Pacific Tsunami Appeal fund.

“Matson is a Pacific company, and many of our people are Pacific Islanders,” said Greg Chu, general manager, South Pacific. “We know how natural disasters impact our islands and the challenges of recovery and rebuilding communities and villages. That is why we do our utmost in these times of need.”

Matson staff and Tonga prime minister stand in front of Matson container
L-r: Joan Moore, Customer Service; Maletina Su’a, Customer Service; Prime Minster Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni; Greg Chu, general manager, South Pacific; Sir Bryan Williams (former All Blacks great); Sir Michael Jones, director, government and community relations; Gerry Elbourne, manager, sales, South Pacific.