South Island Earthquake

On 4 September 2010 a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit Christchurch and the wider South Island. The quake was centred 40 km west of Christchurch and 10 km underground, and struck at 4.35 am New Zealand time. Aftershocks are continuing.

For the latest information, visit the website of the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management.

The website www.canterburyearthquake.govt.nz displays key information from local and central government and links to useful websites.

Ministerial announcements detailing the Government's response to the earthquake are available here.

The New Zealand Red Cross has set up an appeal. Donations can be made online.

Information for Students

All public education institutions are closed until at least Wednesday 8 September. Both Canterbury and Lincoln universities are closed until Monday 13 September. Updated information is available on the Ministry of Education website. See also the websites of the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University.

Information for international visitors

Information for international visitors and businesses can be found at www.newzealand.com/earthquake.