Civil Defence Minister John Carter has extended a national state of emergency in an effort to bolster recovery efforts in the wake of last week's Christchurch earthquake.
The decision to extend the state of emergency at least another seven days was justified by the huge devastation cause by the 6.3 magnitude quake and the continuing aftershocks in the city, Mr Carter said.
It could be weeks before the disaster response is downgraded, he said.
"This declaration ensures coordination and cooperation between central and local resources, and international assistance. Due to the scale of this disaster, the civil defence response is beyond the resources of the local authority."
The declaration gives Civil Defence Emergency Management National Controller John Hamilton power to direct and coordinate the disaster response.
Mr Carter is required to extend the national state of emergency every seven days under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002.
The declaration covers Christchurch City only and does not have any direct impact on other areas of New Zealand.
- NZ Herald staff
Christchurch earthquake: National state of emergency extended
Photo / NZ Herald
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