Local councils rally for rebuilding effort | Northland News | Local News in Northland

Northland's local authorities have pledged cash and technical expertise to help rebuild earthquake-ravaged Christchurch.

The Whangarei District Council has contributed $10,000 cash towards Christchurch City Council's mayoral fund and offered technical assistance towards assessment and repair works.

The mayoral relief fund, used for recovery works during natural disasters, is operated by district councils throughout the country.

Mr Semenoff said the community should rally around to help people who lost everything in natural disasters.

 "These unlucky people need help immediately, and I know the community of Whangarei will support the decision of their councillors to make this $10,000 donation.

"We in Whangarei have received support from our fellow New Zealanders, most recently following the storm of July 2007, and now it is our turn to help the people of Canterbury."

 Mr Semenoff said council staff in building inspection, engineering, recovery management and civil defence were available to help Christchurch.

The mayor said the earthquake was a reminder to everyone that disaster could strike anywhere unexpectedly, and he has urged Whangarei residents to review their preparedness for an emergency.

The council has  urged the public to refrain from sending goods but instead to make cash donations.

Far North mayor Wayne Brown said he had contacted Minister of Civil Defence John Carter and Christchurch mayor Bob Parker to offer any assistance they needed.

"I told them we could provide building inspectors and possibly some engineering assistance if required.

"I'd be prepared to go down there myself and help out if it came to that."

Mr Brown said  the Christchurch City Council would contact his office if help was needed.

Kaipara District Council does not have a mayoral fund but is willing to help facilitate cash donation from the public.

Mayor Neil Tiller  said his staff had emailed Mr Parker's office with offers of assistance but had yet to hear back.

"We don't have spare staff and machinery to send down there but we can certainly facilitate cash donations to be sent to their mayoral fund," he said.

Individuals wishing to make donations can do so through the Salvation Army, Red Cross through any Westpac Bank or through any branch of the ASB Bank via internet banking direct or through the ASB Bank's contact centre (0800 803 804).