Canterbury people are magnificent says Minister

Canterbury people are magnificent, says Minister John Carter.

"The way people have stepped up here, the mayor and the whole society, it is nothing short of magnificent. You make the rest of us New Zealanders feel proud to be kiwis."

Mr Carter, the Civil Defence Minister was in Christchurch today to talk with the region's mayors following the major 7.1 earthquake which hit early Saturday morning.

His comments were echoed by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker. "Every individual here working has a home and a family and sometimes a sad story. We have a policeman working right now, whose house survived the initial earthquake and then in yesterday's 5.2 aftershock, his house split in half."

Inspector John Price said many police staff homes had been affected but despite this they were still turning up to work to help others. Police staff want to be help others and this situation is no different. One staff member's house was uninhabitable after the earthquake but despite this he turned up to work as the team leader in the Communications Centre.

Inspector Price said Police staff on leave had been ringing in wanting to help out and offers of help have been extended right across Police.

"We had staff from Auckland helping out on the cordons and tonight they have gone home. A contingent from Wellington has flown in and they will go straight out and do a 12 hour shift on the cordons."

Staff from other districts are rostered to take over from the Wellington staff later in the week and next.

"The Army have been fantastic. They have been helping out with transport, food and on the cordons. The partnerships we have are nothing short of outstanding."

Mayor Parker agreed and dismissed suggestions the arrival of the army to cordons signalled trouble. "The army is not armed. This is not about civil unrest, it's about rest. There are a significant number of people and volunteers who need a rest."

The city leaders are acutely aware of the human impact of such an event and are considering this in the recovery plans

"This is the hardest phase. Everyone is tired and still a great number of people are left in difficult positions," said Mayor Parker.

Mr Carter said: "The government is well aware of your situation and we are here to walk alongside you and see that your needs are catered for as best as possible."

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