Quake victim buoyed by offers of help

Avonside resident Lisa Booth walks with Hadas Livne (6) and Ronnie (3) walks past a port-a-loo in the suburb. Photo / Greg Bowker

A resident of one of Christchurch's worst quake-affected suburbs says her "spirit has been lifted" as donations and offers of help come in.

About 100 residents in the central city suburb of Avonside rallied this week to draw attention to the ongoing problems they were suffering following the September 4 7.1 magnitude quake.

Action for Christchurch East rally organiser Angela Wasley said many people still could not use their toilets, showers or wash clothes or dishes, and could not get a response from Christchurch City Council.

The residents have been sharing portable toilets, sometimes having to go to the next street to access one.

Mayor Bob Parker has conceded there was more the council could have done.

Yesterday, Housing New Zealand officials visited to try to improve living conditions and make arrangements for anyone needing to leave.

"Rent reductions and rebates for properties without essential amenities are also being discussed. Clearly the use of portaloos was a short-term solution," Housing Minister Phil Heatley said.

Ms Wasley thanked everyone for offers of help and donations and said her "spirit has been lifted by the mammoth support".

Donations so far had included a laptop, phone credit and cleaning products. Washing machines may be set up for residents in the next few days.

A volunteer day will be held on Saturday morning in Avonside and shovels and wheelbarrows will be available.

Ms Wasley said Action for Christchurch East, would now contact residents associations around Christchurch, particularly those with the worst liquefaction - where soil had been turned into fluid by the quake - to co-ordinate efforts.

- NZPA