Christchurch earthquake update

Christchurch, New Zealand's second-largest city, was hit by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on Tuesday 22 February.  The quake caused severe damage and tragic casualties.

A memorial service for the victims was attended by tens of thousands of people in Christchurch on Friday 18 March.

In his address at the service, Prime Minister John Key noted the international impact of the earthquake. "We are conscious that we are united in our loss with families in more than 20 countries whose fate was to have a loved one far, far from home at the time the earthquake struck."

"We say to those families that we embrace them as part of the wider New Zealand community. Your family members have become part of the story of this city, and of this country, and we will remember your loved ones as we will remember our own," he said.

The New Zealand government has launched an appeal to help the people of Christchurch during this time of great need.  You can make a difference by donating to the Christchurch earthquake appeal.

The official list of those who died as a result of the earthquake is available here. Updates on affected Filipinos are being posted on the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs website.

Travellers are advised that services throughout the wider New Zealand, including tourism businesses, are operating as normal, except for in some parts of central Christchurch and Lyttelton.  Christchurch International Airport remains the international gateway to the South Island and from there it is easy to travel to Canterbury's visitor destinations such as Akaroa, Kaikoura, Methven/Mt Hutt, Aoraki Mount Cook and Hanmer Springs.  People planning to visit New Zealand can get further advice from their travel providers and Tourism New Zealand.

Up-to-date information on the effects of the earthquake and recovery efforts are available on the New Zealand government's dedicated Christchurch earthquake website, as well as the Civil Defence and New Zealand Police websites.

More statements on the earthquake and recovery efforts from Prime Minister John Key, Foreign Minister Murray McCully and other relevant ministers are available on the Beehive website. 

New Zealand’s media has extensive coverage of the earthquake and recovery efforts, including on the New Zealand Herald, Fairfax publications, Television New Zealand, TV3 and Radio New Zealand websites.

The New Zealand ambassador's blog also discusses the earthquake, here and here.