Zespri is donating $100,000 to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal to support victims of the February 22, 6.3 magnitude earthquake.

Chief financial officer Merv Dallas says Zespri felt a significant cash contribution would be the most effective means of support.

'Our hearts go out to Christchurch residents and visitors who have been affected by this tragedy,” says Merv.

One of Zespri's customers in Japan, Aeon Co. Ltd, has announced that from 21 April to 20 May, it will donate JP¥1 (approximately NZ$0.01) from each kiwifruit sold in 1200 of its stores to the Christchurch Relief Fund.

In addition, AEON 1% Club, which consists of the Aeon group of companies, donated JP¥10 million (approx. NZ$165,000) to New Zealand Embassy last month.

'We are very humbled by this gesture from Aeon, which is likely to sell about 2.5 million kiwifruit or packs of kiwifruit during this period,” says Merv.

'Unfortunately Japan is connected to this tragedy through a number of Japanese people who were present in Christchurch at the time of the quake, some of whom are still missing, and our thoughts are also with their families and friends.”

Merv says it has been humbling to see the international teams that have come to New Zealand to assist in the rescue and recovery with teams from Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, USA, Mexico and Britain to name a few.

'New Zealand is such a small place and it is highly likely that every New Zealander will know someone who has been impacted by this disaster in some form and this is why we are so humbled by the support from our international friends.”

Zespri's in-market teams in Asia and Europe are working with New Zealand Embassy staff on how they can support the appeal.

Zespri is also providing redundant packaging (boxes) to supermarkets and collection points to assist with the collection of food and other items.