Civil Defence says 'no thanks' to US, UN offers

Civil Defence director John Hamilton. Photo / Supplied

The United States military command in Hawaii has offered to provide any help it can to authorities dealing with the Christchurch earthquake.

But that and a separate offer of help from the United Nations have been declined.

Civil Defence director John Hamilton said: "In most cases an earthquake of the magnitude we have experienced would inevitably result in high casualty numbers. We are very grateful the offers were made and fortunately we were able to say they were not required."