Optimistic forecast on quake hit land

Twisted bridge across the Avon River in Christchurch. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Things are looking up for thousands of householders in areas worst hit by the Canterbury earthquake as the Government prepares to issue a report that will decide their futures.

The homeowners, and many tenants in rented accommodation, are waiting anxiously to hear if their homes will have to be demolished or if they can be repaired or rebuilt on land severely affected by the 7.1-magnitude quake.

It had been feared that whole neighbourhoods would have to be abandoned.

But Prime Minister John Key said yesterday information from Geotech engineers testing the damaged land had been positive, and he was confident the homeowners "will feel better by next week", when the engineers' report is due for release.

"The ducks are starting to line up, and it's starting to look quite good," Mr Key said.

"I think by the middle of next week [householders] will have much greater clarity and answers to a lot of questions, and I'm hoping that will reduce the anxiety they're feeling."

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said it appeared that land badly affected by the quake could be made safe.

"Early indications are that the ground is becoming tighter, becoming more secure, and perhaps with a little work we can get a very, very good result."

Angela Wasley, a homeowner in the badly hit Christchurch suburb of Avonside, was delighted to hear the Government's positive news.

"For myself and my family and neighbouring homeowners, that's fantastic news," Ms Wasley said.

"Because one of the main concerns is whether they're going to bulldoze the houses and take out suburbs."

Mr Brownlee acknowledged there were frustrations for people waiting for answers after the September 4 quake, but said it was important not to rush the analysis.

"We're talking about the lifetime equity that most people have achieved in their property."

Meanwhile, the Government is planning to finance a tourism campaign in Australia to let would-be visitors in our largest tourist market know that Canterbury is still a viable destination.

"Some inbound tourist operators are telling me they're getting cancellations out of Australia," Mr Key said.

"We need to send a message far and wide that Canterbury is open for business again - and that's both internationally and domestically."

It would be a "short and sharp" campaign, and the cost would not be "enormous".

Mr Key said the quake would have a total cost in the region of $4 billion.

"This is the single biggest call on the Earthquake Commission fund by some margin. So this is big time."

Magazine reissued

An anonymous Christchurch benefactor is funding a fourth print run of APN's Earthquake publication, which is raising money for those affected by last month's disaster in Christchurch. The donation will ensure the 48-page magazine is again on sale, with proceeds going to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal. Sales of the magazine have generated more than $100,000 so far for the appeal, which has raised more than $6.7 million. A further $5.5 million has been pledged. APN publishing chief executive Martin Simons said the response to the Earthquake publication had been phenomenal. "New Zealanders are so eager to help."

Earthquake is on sale in Progressive supermarkets (Countdown, Woolworths and Foodtown) and APN newspaper offices around the North Island.