25pc of Chch businesses hiring post-quake

A quarter of Christchurch organisations have hired more staff since the region was hit by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, according to a survey by Canterbury University researchers.

The university has released its preliminary report into Canterbury's recovery in the wake of the September 4 quake and aftershocks.

Its survey, part of an ongoing study, also found 93 per cent of the organisations surveyed had not made any staff redundant since mid-November.

Almost 280 organisations had responded to the survey so far, University spokesman John Vargo said.

Respondents said factors such as well-designed and well-built buildings, an organisation's relationship with its staff and suppliers, available cash or credit, and communication restored quickly or not interrupted helped lessen the impact of the earthquake and aftershocks.

Physical damage was not the biggest problem for most organisations following the September 4 earthquake, Dr Vargo said.

Instead, influences outside an business's control such as damage to nearby organisations and electricity supply disruption contributed to difficulties.

When asked what the biggest challenge was to running their organisation in the aftermath of the quake, 26 per cent said it was their employees' wellbeing.

Most respondents were "neutral to very satisfied" with how well their insurance package met their expectations, he said.

Researchers would analyse the results in more depth once the collection of data was complete, he said.

The study's findings would be used to provide advice to the Government and other relevant bodies.

- NZPA