Christchurch Earthquake Information

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 Earthquake key messages

To support Christchurch’s recovery from the 22 February 2011 earthquake, it is important that travellers and the travel trade receive consistent and factual information about the effects of the disaster on the region’s tourism sector. Accordingly, we have developed a set of key messages that will help you provide reassurance that Christchurch and Canterbury tourism operators are ready, willing and able to show visitors to the region a great time. A one minute ‘elevator pitch’ is also available that condenses the key messages into a brief speech. You might also find this update from Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism useful.

Help for tourism businesses 

Information and help for those affected by the Tuesday 22 February Christchurch earthquake are available from a number of sources, including those listed on this page.

 Government Help for Christchurch Businesses
The government has committed $6.85 million to a targeted economic recovery package to help Canterbury businesses severely affected by the two major earthquakes get back on their feet.

The package includes money for business recovery coordinators, international visits for exporters to key clients, a trust fund for those in need following the quakes, and more money for workshops and business training. Read more.

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise confirms that tourism businesses qualify for funding for exporters under the government’s earthquake package. NZTE advises that tourism businesses need to be able to demonstrate they are generating the majority (probably 75% or more) of revenue from international visitors. Visit their website http://www.nzte.govt.nz/canterbury or ring 0800 555 888 for more information.

Financial Support for Employers
The government’s initial earthquake support package providing  financial support to employers who want to maintain the employer/employee  relationship and need to take time to consider the viability of the business is available until 18 April. See www.workandincome.govt.nz
To apply by phone call: 0800 779997

Canterbury Business Recovery
Practical advice and information for business recovery following the Christchurch earthquake. This group has been set up by a range of agencies, including the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. Business Recovery Coordinators can visit businesses anywhere in Christchurch.
http://www.recovercanterbury.co.nz/

Christchurch & Canterbury Toursim
Christchurch Accommodation Update -links to updated information about what Christchurch accommodation operators are open and which are closed.
http://www.christchurchnz.com/christchurch--canterbury-tourism/christchurch-accommodation---update.aspx

Christchurch Activities and Transport update - links to updated information about which Christchurch activities and transport are open and which are closed.
http://www.christchurchnz.com/christchurch--canterbury-tourism/christchurch-activity---update.aspx

Immigration New Zealand
Advice on interim visas and other immigration related matters following the Christchurch earthquake.
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/branch/ChristchurchBranchHome/

Canterbury Business Recovery
Practical advice and information for business recovery following the Christchurch earthquake. This group has been set up by a range of agencies, including the Canterbury Employers' Chamber of Commerce and New Zealand Trade & Enterprise. Business Recovery Coordinators can visit businesses anywhere in Christchurch.
http://www.recovercanterbury.co.nz/

Department Of Labour Advice To Employers And Employees
Department of Labour advice to help Christchurch businesses and their employees make good, safe, sensible and practical decisions in this difficult time.
 www.dol.govt.nz

Hospitality Association New Zealand Business Advice
Advice to help Christchurch businesses and their employees make good, safe, sensible and practical decisions.
www.hanz.org.nz

ACC
ACC information sheets to assist those affected by the Christchurch earthquake, including for businesses and overseas visitors. 
http://www.acc.co.nz/making-a-claim/canterbury-earthquake/index.htm

Telecom
Telecom has set up Telecom Connect Hubs at the Christchurch welfare centres for those requiring assistance with communications. The Connect Hubs offer free calling, free internet access, mobile charging facilities and distribution of analogue phones for people without power at home. Find out more about what Telecom has done to help people stay connected.
http://www.telecom.co.nz/earthquake?pid=int094

Meridian Energy Earthquae Update
Advice for Christchurch customers relating to safety, customer service and billing.
Meridian Update

Tourism New Zealand
Regular tourism updates and information for international visitors.
www.newzealand.com/earthquake 

Civil Defence
Official earthquake information updates
www.civildefence.govt.nz/memwebsite.nsf.

Canterbury Regional Council
Information bulletins for Canterbury residents.
www.canterburyearthquake.org.nz

Trauma Support
EAP Services has established Trauma Support Centre at its Regional Office in Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch. TIA members can access EAP services without needing to pay an annual membership fee - email philip@eapservices.co.nz in the first instance. For face to face, telephone or e-counselling the rate is $120 per hour for TIA members.

EAP has also provided these useful links:

Possible Psychological Reactions to an Earthquake
http://www.webhealth.co.nz/file/resource/Possible-Psychological-Reactions-to-an-Earthquake.pdf

Parents Information Sheet on Dealing With Stress Symptoms in Children
http://www.webhealth.co.nz/file/resource/Parents-Information-Sheet-Dealing-With-Stress-symptoms-in-Children-11.pdf

Coping with Stress
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/coping-with-stress-factsheets

Civil Defence Earthquake Survival Information
www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf/web/BOWN-7GY2MF?opendocument