Nathan Guy: Resilience needed in these trying times

Nathan Guy.

It's now over a week since we were struck by a severe 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

It was 16km deep and centred near Hanmer Springs and was felt throughout much of the country.

Two people lost their lives and my thoughts are with their families and anyone who has suffered personal damage. It's been a very unsettlingly time for many people.

The impacts on Wellington's commercial buildings and wider infrastructure will have meant some of you had to work from home or be relocated to another workplace.

While Kapiti and Horowhenua managed to escape a lot damage it was a timely reminder to make sure you have an emergency plan that involves checking on your neighbours, family and friends.

The damage throughout the North Canterbury region is extensive but luckily the Government is well placed to respond, and well-practised.

The Government's first priority has been to ensure people in the worst affected areas, received the immediate support and emergency supplies they needed and people that needed to get out were evacuated.

Second, we're working to restore vital transport and communications links.

But the huge scale of damage means it will take some time to restore all rail and road routes.

We'll also ensure the Government provides the financial support needed for a successful recovery and rebuild.

In terms of immediate support we have acted quickly, announcing a wage subsidy package as an initial step to help small businesses in the wider affected region.

I saw first-hand last week when I visited the Kaikoura and North Canterbury region the magnitude of the devastation.

I have announced a $7m recovery package for the primary sector to help farmers and fishers get their business back operating as quickly as possible.

The financial cost of the quakes will be significant and the personal impacts are really only now starting to sink in.

As a country, we are known for our resilience, our generosity and our willingness to pick ourselves up and carry on even in the most trying of times.

It is a credit to all New Zealanders.