WELLINGTON - The New Zealand government announced on Saturday NZ$1 million ($676,400) funds to support ethnic communities affected by the Christchurch terror attacks which killed 50 people on March 15.

Affected communities are invited to apply for the funds to develop projects that will enhance their development and enrich social connections, Minister for Ethnic Communities Jenny Salesa said in a statement.

"The Office of Ethnic Communities, as conduit between the government and ethnically diverse communities, will also receive funding for additional staff to provide better on the ground culturally appropriate support to victims and families in Christchurch," Salesa said.