Rental costs face thousands forced out by quake
Audio, Radio New Zealand
The thousands of Christchurch residents expected to be forced into temporary Government-supplied accommodation by earthquake damage will be required to pay rent.
The thousands of Christchurch residents expected to be forced into temporary Government-supplied accommodation by earthquake damage will be required to pay rent.
Hundreds of camper vans are now ready for the earthquake displaced residents of Christchurch, but the demand for what is cramped and slightly claustrophobic accommodation is yet to be proven.
Demand for temporary accommodation in Christchurch for earthquake evacuees is expected to be intense once the rebuild work kicks into action in coming months - despite a slow start.
The Earthquake Recovery Authority is knocking on the door of every red and orange zone resident in Christchurch to check on their welfare and offer them temporary accommodation if they need it.
Hundreds of tourists have spent the night in makeshift accommodation in Wellington after fleeing earthquake hit Christchurch. The tourists were flown to the capital by the Royal New Zealand Airforce, many without passports, money and belongings left behind in hotels.
Thousands of Christchurch refugees have poured into Timaru since the earthquake on February 22, boosting its population by nearly 20 per cent. Social services are giving out hundreds of food parcels, blankets, toiletries and clothes every day as well as finding accommodation for people who have turned up in town with nothing. Major Dean Herring of the Salvation Army in Timaru has been helping evacuees find places to live as well as dealing with the huge piles of donated goods.