Waimakariri gets support after quake

Waimakariri District Civil Defence has been flooded with offers from both individuals and companies wanting to help with the clean-up in the wake of Saturday's big shake.

The district was hit hard by the 7.1 magnitude quake, with nearly 400 Kaiapoi, Pines Beach and Kairaki homes being categorised as unsafe.

The council have received more than 500 offers of help and council staff and contractors have been joined by hundreds of helpers assisting clearing silt and debris, and manning welfare centres.

More than 120 companies from across the country, and even one from the Britain, have also offered their support lending equipment including diggers, generators and even helicopters.

The district also received over 130 offers of accommodation and 330 offers from people offering to check on people living alone.

Large amounts of food have also been donated, including a truckload sent following an Ashburton radio station appeal.

Mayor Ron Keating, who lives with wife Shona on the outskirts of Kaiapoi, said the response had been nothing short of phenomenal.

"We have had tremendous support both from within our own community and from all over New Zealand," he said.

The district still had a lot of work to do and would continue to need support, Mr Keating said.

"We are not out of the woods yet, not by a long way, either in terms of the physical works but also the emotional needs of our community."

"There is still a lot of work to be done and plenty of need for the ongoing services of volunteers who can continue to help through the recovery.

Anyone wishing to help in the clean up and recovery is asked to leave their details at the Waimakariri District Council offices in Rangiora.

- NZPA