Update 12pm 23 February 2011

If you are an international student in the Christchurch area
Please contact the following people as soon as you can to let them know you are safe:

• Your family

• Your provider

• Your local embassy. Find your local one at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website: http://www.mfat.govt.nz/Embassies/2-Foreign-representatives-to-NZ/Diplomatic-and-Consular-List.php

Reports have been confirmed of a significant aftershock that hit New Zealand’s South Island, near the city of Christchurch, at lunchtime today.

Ministry of Education is awaiting further reports from emergency services and education providers as safety assessments continue to be undertaken.

Some transport routes have been affected and Christchurch Airport is temporarily closed while safety inspections take place.

A New Zealand parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Speaker, Lindsay Tisch, was accorded privileged access to Chairman (and Acting President) Wu Bangguo, Chair of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress during their recent visit to China.
Mr Tisch, accompanied by Tim Macindoe MP and Dr Rajen Prasad MP visited China at Chairman Wu’s invitation. This is the first parliamentary visit to China since 2004.