Canterbury Earthquake

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred near the city of Christchurch in Canterbury, New Zealand, on 22 February 2011.

Updates on the earthquake are available on the Canterbury Earthquake website (http://canterburyearthquake.org.nz/).

More information can be found on the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management website (www.civildefence.govt.nz).

Statements from Prime Minister John Key and other ministers are available on the Beehive website (www.beehive.govt.nz).

People planning to visit New Zealand can see updates at Tourism New Zealand (www.tourismnewzealand.com).

New Zealand media sites www.stuff.co.nz and www.nzherald.co.nz have up-to-date reports on the situation.

Italian Nationals

Italian nationals concerned for Italian family and friends in New Zealand should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consular advice: www.esteri.it telephone no. 06 36225.

Red Cross Person Enquiry Line

The New Zealand Red Cross Person Enquiry Line is now activated.

People in New Zealand concerned about the wellbeing of friends and relatives in Christchurch should call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276).

If you are unable to contact a friend or relative in the Christchurch area, call the Red Cross Person Enquiry Line. Red Cross will be able to tell you if they have registered with Civil Defence.

People are encouraged to do this before reporting friends and relatives missing.

People enquiring from outside New Zealand should call +64 7 850 2199.

Donations

New Zealanders have been greatly heartened by the offers of assistance coming in from individuals, governments and organisations from all over the world. Noting that the 22 February earthquake is not just New Zealand's tragedy but has affected countless people internationally, the Prime Minister, the Right Hon John Key, has launched an earthquake appeal fund as a channel for all those wishing to donate to the recovery effort in Christchurch and the Canterbury region.

Donations may be made via the website at www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.com

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

The full version of the Prime Ministers statement is available on the Beehive website