World Vision New Zealand :: Christchurch Earthquake

What is the situation in Christchurch?

Following on from New Zealand's worst natural disaster, World Vision went to work assisting the people of Christchurch, with the help of generous Kiwis and in partnership with the Salvation Army. After the city's devastating 6.3 magnitude earthquake on 22 February 2011, which claimed 185 lives, New Zealand's second-largest city was shaken to its core. Rebuilding has started, but Christchurch's reconstruction will take years. Shortly after this quake, World Vision New Zealand sent disaster experts to the city, and focused its response on disaster relief and child welfare.

Key issues: Earthquakes, disaster relief management, child welfare.
Focus areas: Christchurch, New Zealand South Island.

How has World Vision help Christchurch?

World Vision supporters donated a total of $310,000 towards the Christchurch relief effort. These contributions were channelled through the Salvation Army's emergency response programme. Partnering with the Salvation Army, World Vision helped with the distribution of essential supplies, such as food, water, blankets and sanitary items to 9700 households in affected communities. World Vision also took the lead, with the Non-Governmental Organisation Disaster Relief Forum, in organising volunteers for 'Operation Suburb' to assess the safety and welfare of quake-hit Christchurch residents. Those most in need were immediately put in touch with the Salvation Army's home visit teams.

Focus on children

World Vision partnered with Parents Inc. , and also worked to assist the Ministry of Social Development to provide support for children and their caregivers. Christchurch-born Heather MacLeod, who was deployed from World Vision International's disaster response team, assisted with expert knowledge on child care and psychosocial support of children in disaster situations.

How can I help other disaster survivors?

You can help World Vision respond immediately to future disasters, like the earthquakes in Christchurch, by making an Children in Crisis Emergency Fund donation or starting a monthly donation today by calling us on 0800 90 5000.

Chris Hannen, South Island regional manager, World Vision New Zealand.

The Christchurch earthquakes of the past 18 months, have been deeply traumatic for many, says Chris Hannen, South Island regional manager of World Vision New Zealand. Based in Christchurch, Hannen said: "We continue to pray for those who suffered loss and for the significant challenges we face in the rebuild of both physical infrastructure and of emotions, lives and communities. World Vision was privileged to play its part in assisting in the emergency response alongside the Salvation Army. World Vision also worked closely with Arise Church and many other churches, as well as individuals who offered resources and volunteers, Rotary clubs, Young Farmers and the Non-Governmental Organisation Disaster Relief Forum. It was humbling and inspiring to see people offer so much, give so willingly, and respond so quickly in our time of crisis.

Key Facts:

Over six million people in total affected by 2011 floods
2.7 million of these were children
World Vision reached more than 135,000 with emergency support
Support for families continues through child-friendly spaces, healthcare and malnutrition programmes, and support for pregnant and breastfeeding woman
Following the 2010 floods,
World Vision supported at least 2.5 million people with food, water, shelter and other essential services

Eleven-year-old Loice from Morulem in northeast Kenya

With donations from generous Kiwis, World Vision partnered with the Salvation Army to distribute food and hygiene packages to households in need, following the Christchurch earthquake on 22 February 2011.

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Christchurch Earthquake