"When you're dealing with stuff that's below ground you've got a longer time to analyse exactly what it is."
Brownlee said the government will look at supporting businesses with more than 20 employees. The initial package was used as it was a readily available system from the Christchurch earthquake.
"It's just recognising there are a lot of small businesses in Kaikoura that are dependent on foot traffic.
"We're not walking away just at the moment [from big businesses]."
An assessment on SH1's future has started, Brownlee said. They will consider the effect of roadworks on local fisheries when making a decision about what to do with the highway.
Most of the international navy ships are leaving today or tomorrow but the New Zealand vessels will be here as long as they're useful. Brownlee went on board the navy ships today to thank the captains and crews who helped out.
"The surge of people into Kaikoura has been fantastic.
"When the chips are down you need your friends and they [international ships] have come down here at a time when they could have been on shore leave in Auckland and I really deeply appreciate it."