Australian company Wesfarmers Ltd (WES) has made a NZ$1 million donation to the Prime Minister’s New Zealand Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

Wesfarmers chief executive Richard Goyder said, “As a long-term investor in New Zealand, today’s donation reflects our sincere desire to provide assistance to the many people affected by this disaster and our continued commitment to supporting our New Zealand employees, their families and their wider communities.”

Wesfarmers businesses in New Zealand include Bunnings, Kmart, Blackwoods Paykels, Lumley General NZ, Crombie Lockwood, NZ Safety, Packaging House and Protector Safety. Collectively these businesses employ more than 5,500 employees across New Zealand.

Mr Goyder confirmed that today’s contribution would be in addition to work already underway by a number of the businesses within the Group to assist their own employees, families and local communities. This work will continue over the coming weeks and months to support the long-term recovery effort in the affected areas.