From across the city, the response to the tragedy has been intense, with the Otago Daily Times and Dunedin City Council receiving myriad offers.
After communication between the two organisations, Mayor Dave Cull yesterday announced the council had redirected staff to help and had set up a website to channel Dunedin residents' offers of help.
Mr Cull said he was "profoundly moved by the many expressions of concern from Dunedin residents wanting to help our quake-stricken neighbours in Christchurch".
"This website will allow both the ODT and DCC to channel the generosity of Dunedin residents in the most effective way."
The ODT will provide a link to the website for readers wishing to help.
The website - at www.dunedin.govt.nz/earthquake-relief - would assist people to ensure offers were received by the right people or organisations, Mr Cull said.
Those wishing to add an organisation to the information listed would be able to submit their details. There would be information on how to help, including details of planned relief events.
Mr Cull said council business development adviser Graham Strong would be the contact person for professional and business organisations, while community adviser Michael Laufiso would deal with community and social groups.
Any offers of help or other ideas would be collated, and if possible, individuals or groups would be put in contact for possible partnerships.
Mr Laufiso yesterday said one of the first events would be a candlelight vigil for Christchurch in the upper Octagon today, from 5pm to 6pm.
Mr Cull would address the vigil, which would give people the chance to get together as a community, following the disaster.
The Otago Chamber of Commerce yesterday mounted its own initiative.
Chief executive John Christie said, after a meeting, a message had gone to businesses calling for details of available office or business space.
"Landlords and property owners are being asked to consider short-term lease space for businesses and families who may need to relocate temporarily."
An approach had been made to Air New Zealand to consider a service for workers who wanted to relocate families and commute to Christchurch, and to freight companies which could assist by moving machinery or other business infrastructure.
Businesses were also being asked if they had the capacity to take an apprentice to make sure training was not interrupted, where a workplace was no longer open.
