14 January 2005 Foreign Affairs has lowered its list of New Zealanders it is concerned about in Asia.The ministry has been tracing hundreds of kiwis known to be in the region when the earthquake and tsunami hit nearly three weeks ago.In the last day, it has lowered the number of New Zealanders it had been concentrating its efforts on tracing from eight to just one.It follows confirmation from family members and friends over the safety of relatives who were previously on the list of those missing.New Zealand's confirmed death toll still stands at two, while four others are presumed dead.They cannot be confirmed until their bodies are found, and formerly identified.Meanwhile aid agencies are trying to reassure the public that money donated for tsunami victims is getting to those who need it.Some unscrupulous individuals and groups have been reported as scamming money off innocent members of the public who think they are giving to charity.There are also reports of corruption in Asia blocking aid.Save the Children's Executive Director, John Bowis says donations being made to established aid agencies are making a real difference in the region.He says the negative reports about where the money is going shouldn't put people off donating.Mr Bowis says donors can always ask the organisation they have given to how the money will be used.
