Wellington one-dayer to help flood victims

The third one-dayer between New Zealand and South Africa at Wellington this Friday has been made a benefit for local flood victims.

Unseasonal summer storms have hit the country since Sunday, causing two deaths, widespread flooding and damage. As a result, the New Zealand board has pledged to donate $NZ 5 from each ticket sold to the Mayoral flood relief funds across the region. Adult prices for the game have been cut by $10 to $27.

New Zealand cricket will also be distributing 1000 free tickets to civil defence volunteers and flood evacuees in the Wellington region. Westpac Stadium itself will donate $10,000 towards flood relief funds in the lower North Island.

John Terris, a local mayor, urged the people of Wellington to fill the stadium to make the most of the offer."This is an unprecedented gesture of support for a local community from a national sporting organisation," he said. "It's overwhelming. Now the challenge is in our hands - let's fill the stadium and help our community members who need it most."

Martin Snedden, chief executive of the board, said that he was pleased to be able to help: "It's an opportunity for cricket, in a small way, to help out local communities which have been devastated by the flooding in recent days."

The Wellington Stadium was under water yesterday, but ground staff are confident Friday's match will be unaffected by the poor weather.