Teams come to flood victims' aid

The New Zealand and South Africa cricket teams, in the midst of a one-day series, have donated bats and shirts for auction to raise money for victims of the recent storms and floods that lashed the southern and central North Island and the northern areas of the South Island.

Graeme Smith, South Africa's captain, hoped the contribution would make a difference.

"We often see the devastation caused by storms and floods from afar," Smith said, "but being so close to the worst affected areas makes us realize just how quickly lives can be seriously disrupted and we hope that in making this donation we can make a difference to those people whose lives have been severely affected."

New Zealand Cricket announced that ticket prices for the third one-day at Wellington would be slashed, and a certain amount donated for every adult ticket sold.