Media Release 21 November 2016, 1300hrs

The Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management is continuing to work 24/7 with dozens of agencies to manage the response to the 7.8 Kaikoura earthquake.

Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management Director Sarah Stuart-Black says local focus is checking on people to make sure their needs are being met and ensuring supplies can get through.

“This means working with New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF), Police, Fire, Ministry of Health, Red Cross, Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), local councils and Civil Defence Emergency Management groups, to name a few, who are all part of the national response. It’s great to see everybody working together and we are grateful for all the hard work being put in by hundreds of people across the country.”

Public safety remains the number one priority for the civil defence and emergency services, in particular around the access to the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road (Inland Road).

The Kaikoura Emergency Access Road is under the control of the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller who is working with Hurunui and Kaikoura District Councils, New Zealand Transport Agency, roading contractors and NZDF to arrange access for road residents and essential vehicles.

This morning 11 NZDF vehicles left for Kaikoura with critical supplies. The safe operation of the road will remain under constant review and may change at any time – aftershocks, weather, breakdowns and landslides can all impact the accessibility and safety of the road.

There is no public access to the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road. Currently the road is only open from the Waiau end to Mt Lyford on a controlled access basis (if it is safe to do so) to:

• Residents of the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road (escorted 4WDs at set times)

• New Zealand Defence Force

• Road and power repair contractors (escorted at set times).

“Work is continuing to restore electricity, water and sewage services in affected areas. There are some households where it is not possible or safe to reconnect due to damage, and we are continuing to work with local Civil Defence Emergency Management groups and NZDF to provide supplies where reconnection is not possible.

“Takahanga Marae has provided tremendous support as a Civil Defence Centre, meeting the needs of affected tourists and locals in Kaikoura. A Recovery Assistance Centre has opened at Kaikoura Primary School with key agencies on hand to answer questions and provide advice,” she says.

There is a good supply of drinking water in Kaikoura, but a boil water notice remains in place. The township has power, but some households in the wider district are without, including some along the Inland Road.Portaloos, disposable sewer tanks, and chemical toilets are being distributed.

There is a continued focus on ensuring people in Waiau and remote communities have all the support they need, with assistance from a number of agencies and rapid welfare assessments continuing in rural areas.

In Marlborough, good progress has been made towards restoring water supply in Ward, but some households are without power.

A 24/7 Earthquake Support Line is being run by the National Telehealth Service. If you need support or are concerned about how the situation is affecting you or your whānau, you can call for 0800 777 846 for support and advice.

ENDS

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