Whangarei lends helping hand following Canterbury earthquake

Whangarei District Council is making an immediate $10,000 cash donation to Christchurch's mayoral relief fund to aid those stricken by Saturday's devastating earthquake.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker has also been advised that district council staff will be available to help their Christchurch counterparts in the assessment and repair of damage to the city.

Whangarei Mayor Stan Semenoff says the mayoral relief fund was a humanitarian fund available to those who had been left with nothing by the earthquake.

"There are always people who lose everything in natural disasters and who have nowhere to go. They are the people our community rallies around to help at such dire times.

"These unlucky people need help immediately, and I know the community of Whangarei will support the decision of their councillors to make this $10,000 donation.

"We in Whangarei have received support from our fellow New Zealanders, most recently following the storm of July 2007, and now it is our turn to help the people of Canterbury," Mr Semenoff says.

Council staff in building inspection, engineering, recovery management and civil defence are available to travel to Canterbury to help in the region's recovery from the earthquake.

Christchurch in particular was in for 12 months' minimum upheaval in their day to day lives as the city was rebuilt, Mr Semenoff says.

He says the quake was a reminder to everyone that disaster could strike anywhere unexpectedly, and he urged Whangarei people to review their preparedness for an emergency.

"Please take a few minutes to read the inside cover of your phone book for advice in the event of natural disasters and for a list of essential survival items," he said.

Individuals wishing to make donations to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal can donate through the Salvation Army and Red Cross or through any branch of the ASB Bank via internet banking direct to the appeal or through the ASB Bank's contact centre (0800 803 804).

The ASB Bank account details are: Canterbury Earthquake Appeal 2010, 12-3192-0015998-01.

- © Fairfax NZ News