Emotional memorial for tsunami victims

Published: 6:20PM Sunday November 08, 2009 Source: ONE News/Newstalk ZB

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  Tsunami waves approach American Samoa - Source: Reuters

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A national memorial dedicated to those who died in the Pacific tsunami has been held at Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, Auckland.

Leaders from Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga joined with Prime Minister John Key and Governor-General Anand Satyanand for a moving service.

Key says it is fitting to remember all the people who died in the tsunami by way of a national memorial service.

Meanwhile, a cheque for $315,000, made up of donations from the public, has also been handed over to Samoa's government.

The sum was collected in donations to Westpac Bank branches over the past five weeks.

Pacific Cooperation Foundation chairman Fa'amatuainu Tino Pereira says it is a stunning amount, and shows how generous New Zealanders can be.