NZHPT Information release
24 February 2011

The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (NZHPT) will work with Civil Defence, emergency services, the Christchurch City Council and government agencies in any capacity required following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch on Tuesday.

“Public safety is the absolute priority,” said NZHPT Chief Executive Bruce Chapman.

“The greatest tragedy has been the significant loss of life and injuries to many people.  With a state of emergency declared we will respond to any request for assistance.”

The scale and extent of multiple building collapses particularly in the city centre was considerable, Mr Chapman said.  The NZHPT-managed Timeball Station in Lyttelton had also suffered serious damage.

“Once public safety is assured and emergency services have declared the sites safe NZHPT staff will work with owners and other agencies to assess future options.”

Staff from Wellington and Dunedin are assisting NZHPT’s Christchurch-based staff.

For more information:

Jamie Douglas
Media Advisor
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
tel: 04 470 8066 or  027 683 9065
email: jdouglas@historic.org.nz