Help by going to NZ for holidays, says Australian PM

CANBERRA - Australians would want to keep helping New Zealand after a major earthquake devastated Christchurch, and that could include heading across the Tasman for holidays, Australian prime minister Julia Gillard says.

Ms Gillard said New Zealand was still conducting search and rescue operations after the SouthIsland city was rocked by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, and the rebuilding work was still ahead.

"I am sure, as we move into those times of recovery and rebuilding, Australians will want to keep supporting New Zealanders," she told Sky Television on Thursday.

"At the right time, I think, that will also include Australians wanting to take their holiday dollars to New Zealand and to support new Zealanders that way."

Ms Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott visited the New Zealand High Commission in Canberra on Thursday to sign the condolence book.

She said she had conveyed sincere sympathies on behalf of the government and Australian people.

"I said we understood they were bearing up under great loss and that we would be with New Zealand every step of the way," she said.

Ms Gillard said 500 Australians were now helping in New Zealand and more help would be given if needed.

"I have spoken personally today to Prime Minister John Key and I have reiterated to him that if there is any assistance they need, then we will make it available," she said.

Ms Gillard said this symbolised the closeness of the two nations.

"It is Anzac spirit and Anzac bonds. Each time we respond to each other and help each other in time of need adds a new layer to that already really strong sense of partnership," she said.

- AAP