Greater Wellington region responds to Christchurch quake

See our New Zealand Earthquakes page for ongoing updates - infonews.co.nz

The Greater Wellington region is actively involved in providing support to people affected by yesterday’s Christchurch earthquake, Regional Council Chair Fran Wilde said.

“Shortly after we learned of yesterday’s tragic quake in Christchurch, our emergency management professionals were coordinating a response with their counterparts in the region’s city and district councils, the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Police and other emergency services,” Fran Wilde said.

“We currently have a team based at the RNZAF facility at Wellington airport receiving tourist evacuees from Christchurch. Seventy six tourists had arrived by 8.30 this morning with another 820 expected to arrive later today.

“The majority of these people are really pleased to be out of Christchurch. Most are able to make their own arrangements for travel. Some have lost passports and other personal documentation, so our team is providing liaison with New Zealand agencies and their own governments so these people can get home as quickly as possible.

“Our team at Wellington airport comprises specialist staff from Greater Wellington Regional Council, Wellington City, Porirua City, Hutt City, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army. They’re working around the clock for as long as their services are needed and are on call to help either at the National Crisis Management Centre at the Beehive or on rotation through Christchurch as needed.

“Two Greater Wellington staff worked through the night at National Crisis Management Centre and others will be there again today.

“Also on call are our GIS specialists and other IT staff who are available to help their colleagues at Environment Canterbury with their information technology needs.

“Our team has compiled a comprehensive list of resources available from the Greater Wellington Region that includes people, equipment and materials. That list will be sent shortly to the National Crisis Management Centre.

“Many of these people have been involved in the earlier Christchurch quakes as well as in international emergencies. They are highly skilled and know what to do. We are very proud of the commitment they are making to ensure the wellbeing of people impacted by this latest Christchurch quake,” Fran Wilde said