ISSUE
Friday, August 15, 2025
Volume 16 . Issue 72
Civil Defence Director, John Hamilton says public services are recovering in the Canterbury region, despite a series of aftershocks that accelerated this morning after a relative lull yesterday.
This morning there have been three earthquakes of greater than magnitude 4 (one soon after midnight and two just after 7am). The possibility of a large aftershock up to magnitude 6 remains though the likelihood of this is decreasing as time passes (currently less than 10 per cent chance).
Public services across the region continue to be restored despite some aftershock disruption yesterday. The pace of restoration has slowed because the systems now being repaired are more complex.
“Welfare centres continue to do sterling work supporting displaced people, with about 300 people staying overnight at the two Christchurch City welfare centres,” said Mr Hamilton. “The centres at Kaiapoi and Rolleston are open today and are providing welfare services, with Kaiapoi open 6.30pm and Rolleston open till 10pm.”
“We’re shifting our efforts toward assessing people’s needs; welfare staff are working with building inspectors to see that the appropriate services are provided to the residential population, including psycho-social support.”
The lifting of the cordon in the Christchurch CBD planned for this morning has been delayed due to concern over public safety, but the intention is to lift it as soon as possible.
The New Zealand Defence Force is supporting police in Christchurch and over the past two days has moved over 300 prisoners out of Christchurch. A further 62 prisoners will be moved today.
By 8am today the 0800 Government helpline (0800 779 997) had received almost 9000 calls, with most calls focused on damage to property, employment subsidies and food grants.
Civil Defence Director, John Hamilton says public services are recovering in the Canterbury region, despite a series of aftershocks that accelerated this morning after a relative lull yesterday. This morning there have been three earthquakes of greater than magnitude 4 (one soon after midnight...
Civil Defence Director, John Hamilton says public services are recovering in the Canterbury region, despite a series of aftershocks that accelerated this morning after a relative lull yesterday.
This morning there have been three earthquakes of greater than magnitude 4 (one soon after midnight and two just after 7am). The possibility of a large aftershock up to magnitude 6 remains though the likelihood of this is decreasing as time passes (currently less than 10 per cent chance).
Public services across the region continue to be restored despite some aftershock disruption yesterday. The pace of restoration has slowed because the systems now being repaired are more complex.
“Welfare centres continue to do sterling work supporting displaced people, with about 300 people staying overnight at the two Christchurch City welfare centres,” said Mr Hamilton. “The centres at Kaiapoi and Rolleston are open today and are providing welfare services, with Kaiapoi open 6.30pm and Rolleston open till 10pm.”
“We’re shifting our efforts toward assessing people’s needs; welfare staff are working with building inspectors to see that the appropriate services are provided to the residential population, including psycho-social support.”
The lifting of the cordon in the Christchurch CBD planned for this morning has been delayed due to concern over public safety, but the intention is to lift it as soon as possible.
The New Zealand Defence Force is supporting police in Christchurch and over the past two days has moved over 300 prisoners out of Christchurch. A further 62 prisoners will be moved today.
By 8am today the 0800 Government helpline (0800 779 997) had received almost 9000 calls, with most calls focused on damage to property, employment subsidies and food grants.
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