Central Otago's Tongan community is banding together after their native home was hit by a tsunami.

A shipment of goods will soon be bound for Tonga to help two villages affected by the tsunami, which struck the area on January 15.

At least three people were killed, some were injured and some remain possibly missing after waves about 15m high struck the area.

Five Tongan families residing in Central Otago are driving the collection project, which had been supported by the wider community including the Clyde and Cromwell lions clubs.

Their efforts mean a 20-foot long shipping container filled with goods will soon sail to Tonga.

Lucy Fukofuka said when the community group heard about the tsunami they were all very worried and frustrated as communications were down for a long time.

Lucy said waiting to hear from our families when communication outlets were down was tough. PHOTO: Supplied

The villages that will receive the donated goods are ones that the Tongan community in Central Otago has ties with. 

“The villages are Patangata and Fiesia. 

“We met two boys from these villages a couple of years ago, they are seasonal workers – they’re usually based in Nelson, but come for our cherry season and spend the summer in Central Otago."

Donations to the cause will go towards transporting, shipping costs and providing essential goods to help families rebuild their lives.

Lucy said they need household items including sheets, cutlery, pots and pans, cleaning products, non-perishable food items, laundry products and face masks.

Items can be dropped off at R and R Transport, on the corner of Barry Ave and Rogers St, Cromwell from 8am-6pm on weekdays.

The Cromwell Lions Club is doing a food drive for the cause, collecting food from mailboxes at 10.30am this Saturday March 12 in Cromwell, Bannockburn, Lowburn and Pisa Moorings.

All donations need to be in before March 18 to be boxed up and sent the following week.

If you want to support this initiative further please contact Lucy on 021 215 7958.

The Central Otago Tongan Community group meets once a month to foster connections, language and cultural heritage.