Christchurch Earthquake

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred near Christchurch on 22 February 2011. Updates on the earthquake are available on the Canterbury Earthquake website (canterburyearthquake.org.nz). More information can be found on the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management website (www.civildefence.govt.nz).

People in New Zealand concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives in Christchurch should call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276). People enquiring from outside New Zealand should call +64 7 850 2199. German nationals concerned for German family and friends in New Zealand should visit the website of the German Embassy in Wellington (www.wellington.diplo.de).

Donations

The New Zealand Government has set up the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal as a global fundraiser for the recovery effort in Christchurch. Donations may be made at www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz.

A list of New Zealand based banks and charities which have also launched appeals can be found at www.civildefence.govt.nz.

Donors in Germany may also make donations through Caritas International (please specify "Erdbebenhilfe Neuseeland") and the German Red Cross (please specify "Neuseeland").

Visitors to New Zealand

New Zealand is open, welcoming and operating as normal, except for Christchurch city and Lyttelton. Christchurch airport has resumed normal operations. Regular updates are available on the websites of Tourism New Zealand (www.tourismnewzealand.com) and Immigration New Zealand (www.immigration.govt.nz).

Students

The website of the Ministry of Education (www.min-edu.govt.nz) is providing regular updates on school operations in Christchurch.