MEDIA RELEASE - Vodafone will credit its New Zealand customers’ calls and TXTs to Vanuatu following the devastating impact of Cyclone Pam.

This includes mobile, residential and business calls made to landlines and mobile phones in Vanuatu. The retrospective credit will apply to calls and TXTs made from 7pm Friday 13 March until 7pm Monday 16 March and will be applied to customers’ accounts.

Matt Williams, Vodafone Consumer Director, says it is vitally important for people to be able to communicate with family and friends in a time of crisis.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu – and, in particular, those who have lost loved ones.

“Friday’s cyclone has impacted many thousands of people across Vanuatu’s islands, causing severe damage to homes, infrastructure and communities.

“We hope that these measures will go some way to helping Kiwis keep in touch with loved ones in Vanuatu at this difficult time.”

With mobile communications also significantly affected by Cyclone Pam, Vodafone has offered its assistance to Vanuatu’s local mobile operators.

To donate to the relief effort, please visit: https://www.unicef.org.nz/vanuatu.