Australian charities offer NZ assistance

Australian charities are preparing to assist their brother and sister organisations
across the ditch after an earthquake caused massive damage on New Zealand's South
Island.
The 7.1 magnitude quake, which struck near Christchurch at about 4.30am local time
(2.30am AEST) on Saturday, has destroyed buildings and infrastructure.
St Vincent de Paul Society National President Syd Tutton said he had sent a notice
across to the New Zealand St Vincent de Paul society to offer assistance.
"We'll certainly provide as much assistance as we can," he said.
"It's just a little bit hard to ascertain what assistance is required at this stage."
"But fortunately there have been no reports of deaths."
A spokeswoman for Australia's Salvation Army director of emergency services Norm
Archer Been said they had also been in contact with their New Zealand counterparts
to offer assistance.
"We're open to any requests that are made, but it's difficult to know at this stage
the extent of the damage," the spokeswoman said.
"It's possible an appeal could be launched as well."



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