25 March 2011

Last week I joined 100,000 others at the National Memorial Service in Christchurch. It was a chance to remember the people we've lost, to express our grief and sorrow, and to re-affirm our commitment to the city of Christchurch. I know that the people there felt honoured to be in the presence of Prince William.

The service was also a chance to thank all those who have helped in the aftermath of the earthquake. The response from Cantabrians, New Zealanders, and people around the world has been tremendous.

Christchurch is a city that's broken, but not beaten. The Government is committed to standing alongside Cantabrians and rebuilding the city.

It'll be a long, complex and costly task, which we will need to work through step by step. We will manage extra costs by borrowing more in the short term, reprioritising spending where possible, and continuing our work to build a stronger national economy.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE SO FAR
This week Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee announced a targeted support package for businesses. As part of this, we're committing $6.85 million to help earthquake-affected businesses get back on their feet. Click here for further information on this business support package.

Some other steps the Government is taking include:

• Continuing our urgent work to get all sewerage, power, and water systems up and running as soon as possible.
• Working with schools to help them reopen. Nearly all schools are now open for learning.
• Supporting plans to allow business owners limited access to the red zone when it is safe.
• Extending the national state of emergency so we can continue to throw every available resource into recovery efforts.
• Cutting red tape to speed up the recovery process.
• Providing financial relief to families and workers, and looking at what support is needed in the weeks and months ahead.
• Providing accommodation assistance for those who need it, and working on short, medium, and long-term accommodation options.
• Put in place a rapid assessment process for the Earthquake Commission.
• Announced a Royal Commission of Inquiry on the earthquake.

Next week we're announcing a new government agency which will be solely focused on rebuilding Canterbury.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

People from all over the world have been opening up their wallets and showing their support for the people of Canterbury in their time of great need.

I'd particularly like to thank Her Majesty the Queen, and Prince William and Catherine Middleton, for their generous support.

You can make a donation to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal at: www.quakeappeal.com.

SUPPORTING JAPAN

Our thoughts are also with Japan as they face their own terrible natural disaster. When I spoke to Prime Minister Naoto Kan last week, I assured him that New Zealand would help in whatever way we can.

On Monday Cabinet agreed to donate $1 million to support the Red Cross effort in Japan, and New Zealand's urban search and rescue team was one of the first to land in Japan after the earthquake. They returned to New Zealand on Sunday, and I'd like to thank them for their extraordinary efforts.

FROM MY DIARY

Today I am out and about in my Helensville electorate. Tomorrow I'm spending the day in Christchurch.

Best wishes,
John Key
Prime Minister

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