There will be eight new Christchurch Recovery Assistance Centres in the hardest hit areas of Christchurch, six of which will open tomorrow says Social Development Minster Paula Bennett.

“These Centres will provide a range of services to people in localised areas in Christchurch, particularly the Eastern Suburbs,” says Ms Bennett.

"Welfare Centres are closing down so that for example Burnside High School can get back to being a school, " says Ms Bennett.

Offers of accommodation to those made homeless by February’s earthquake are currently outstripping demand in Christchurch.

Housing Minister Phil Heatley says staff from Housing New Zealand (HNZ) and the Department of Building and Housing (DBH) are working around the clock, collating offers of emergency accommodation and finding shelter for those made homeless by the earthquake.

The New Zealand Defence Force is performing at its very best in supporting the people of Christchurch, Defence Minister Wayne Mapp says.

Dr Mapp visited NZDF personnel at work throughout the area today with Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, and met Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker in the suburb of Sydenham. The visit was the Minister’s third to Christchurch in the past week.

Christchurch's two universities are well-advanced with their plans to re-open progressively following the February 22nd earthquake, says Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce who visited Christchurch again today.

Lincoln University will be open for all staff today, and postgraduate research students are being encouraged to begin contacting their supervisors. Lincoln aims to be fully operational by March 14.

Education Minister Anne Tolley says over a quarter of schools in Christchurch City have now asked for support to re-open as soon as possible, following last week's earthquake.

“43 schools, more than double yesterday’s total, are determined to open for students as soon as they can, which is extremely encouraging,” says Mrs Tolley.

“These schools will receive all the support they need to provide a safe environment for students, so we can get young people back into learning.”

Over 8,500 applications have been made for earthquake support assistance covering more than 20,000 people says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

“Most applications are straight forward and over 14,000 people have already been approved,” says Ms Bennett.

“Some are taking a little longer because they require manual data matching with IRD or have exceptional circumstances that need to be considered,” says Ms Bennett.

ACC is doing all it can to support the injured and those who have lost loved ones in the Christchurch earthquake, ACC Minister Nick Smith says.

Courts were continuing to operate in Christchurch as a priority in helping to maintain law and order, and support justice services, Minister for Courts, Georgina te Heuheu said today.

“Today I visited the Ministry of Justice temporary command centre operating from Christchurch Men’s Prison. I was impressed by the way the Corrections Department has welcomed Courts’ temporary location to the prison, and by the way both Corrections and Courts are working with some priority to ensure that Courts’ systems are up and running.

Ethnic Affairs Minister Hekia Parata has praised ethnic communities for their resilience and compassion following the devastating Christchurch earthquake.

Ms Parata has met with ethnic communities and other groups in Christchurch affected by the earthquake.

Education Minister Anne Tolley has announced that 19 schools in Christchurch City have indicated they want to re-open later this week or early next week, following the recent earthquake.

“It’s extremely heartening that these schools feel confident enough to re-open,” says Mrs Tolley.

Revenue Minister Peter Dunne has confirmed that New Zealand donors to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal announced by Prime Minister John Key on Sunday will be able to claim a tax credit or deduction on their donations.

He also said the fund would be treated as a tax-exempt entity.

“Many people are being very generous, from large businesses donating big sums through to individuals giving what they can and very generously,” Mr Dunne said.

The Government is assisting more than 10,000 people through its support package for Christchurch says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

"Since announcing the package yesterday, applications have been flooding in from employers and workers who are relieved support is now available to help get them through the next few weeks,” says Ms Bennett.

Earthquake Support Subsidy
• 1,718 employers covering 8,271 staff
• 1,516 sole traders

Job Loss Cover:
• 788 individual employees

Civil Defence Minister John Carter has today extended the state of national emergency for a further seven days in the aftermath of the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch last Tuesday.

The state of national emergency in New Zealand was declared last Wednesday and is expected to continue for several more weeks, Mr Carter says.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully today confirmed that more than 900 international personnel from over 12 international contributors are working shoulder to shoulder with New Zealanders on the rescue operation in Christchurch following the devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake. The rescue effort is supported by numerous international volunteers.

Search and rescue assistance received to date:

Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples is today visiting the Maori earthquake response command centre which has been established at Wigram.

“Both Te Puni Kokiri and Ngai Tahu offices in Christchurch were damaged in the earthquake, so we have moved in together with He Oranga Pounamu, the Christchurch Whanau Ora Provider, and the Maori Wardens in Christchurch, to Ngai Tahu’s facilities at Wigram,” said Dr Sharples.

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to provide the financial resources necessary to rebuild Christchurch and the Canterbury economy, Finance Minister Bill English says.

“The earthquake has clearly dealt a considerable human and economic blow to Canterbury, and this will have a significant impact on the Government’s finances and the wider New Zealand economy. Its effects will be felt for some years to come.

Education Minister Anne Tolley has praised Canterbury teachers and principals for their resilience and positive attitude following the recent earthquake.

"I met with the principals, teachers and board chairs of some of the worst affected schools while in Christchurch today," says Mrs Tolley.

"I was heartened by their determination to get students back into school, or some form of learning, as soon as circumstances allow.

The initial earthquake support package for employers and employees is available now and the first payments will be in bank accounts by Wednesday says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

“There is a lot of uncertainty over whether jobs and businesses will continue in Christchurch, so this measure will help ensure people can pay the bills for the next few weeks,” says Ms Bennett.

Prime Minister John Key today announced an initial support package for Christchurch businesses and workers affected by last week’s major earthquake.

The six week package is made up of two parts:

Work and Income has seven mobile vans going directly to people in the hardest hit suburbs of Christchurch says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

“These vans allow Work and Income to provide help directly to people in the suburbs, who may not be able to access transport,” says Ms Bennett.

”Social workers will join Work and Income staff in the vans to provide advice and support as well as financial assistance,” says Ms Bennett.

Seven Work and Income sites are now open at locations around the city.

The Navy multi-role vessel HMNZS Canterbury arrived in Wellington early this evening and will sail at 5am tomorrow (Monday 28 February) for Lyttelton with a full load of relief cargo for earthquake-stricken Christchurch.

Her cargo includes: