NZ giving $500,000 in Chile quake aid

New Zealand is giving half a million dollars towards efforts to help Chile recover from Saturday's earthquake.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully said the Government was also open to giving further assistance.

"Around 800 people are confirmed dead; more are unaccounted for; many thousands of people have been made homeless, and there is major damage to infrastructure," Mr McCully said.

"While Chile has well-established disaster response systems, this is a major catastrophe for our close friend and partner, and New Zealand wants to play its part in responding to the Chilean Government's request for international assistance."

Mr McCully said discussions were under way about other ways New Zealand could provide assistance on the ground but no decisions had been made yet.

"Damaged bridges and roading are slowing relief efforts, and there is limited telecommunication contact with some of the hardest-hit areas, which also remain without water or electricity," Mr McCully said.

- NZPA