Councils sending staff north to assist

Southland is strengthening its response to the Christchurch earthquake with all four southern councils sending staff to help.

The councils were quick to offer assistance after the huge earthquake that has left parts of the city in ruins during the weekend and now, with the dust beginning to settle, the offers are being taken up.

The main contribution provided by the Gore and Southland District and Invercargill City councils are building inspectors, to help assess the damage to businesses and housing across the city.

Southland District mayor Frana Cardno said two of her council's inspectors would be heading north to help survey damaged buildings in the city.

Gore District mayor Tracy Hicks said one building inspector was already in Christchurch and a council roading officer was working with the army.

"While it will put stress on everybody else here, we want to help."

The largest contingent is from the Invercargill City Council, which is sending five of its building inspectors.

Environmental and planning services director Pamela Gare said they were responding to an urgent call for 60 inspectors.

Environment Southland is sending its two-strong communications team to relieve Civil Defence media staff, which is expected to happen next week.

The Invercargill arm of the Red Cross is also sending volunteers.

Area manager Sally Wast said four volunteers left for Christchurch yesterday morning together with four civil defence staff, with their focus expected to be on the welfare centres.

The volunteers would work three 12-hour shifts then return to Invercargill on Sunday, she said.

Another group of four would be sent on Saturday.

That cycle would continue through until Sunday when they would reassess the situation, Mrs Wast said.sam.mcknight@stl.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News

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