More than $2 million has been paid out to earthquake victims in Christchurch and food continues to be the greatest need, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett says.
"We have now made over $1m in payments for this," Ms Bennett said today. "Requests for other essential items such as bedding and clothing are also being met."
So far, 13,443 civil defence emergency payments had been made, totalling $2,212,825.
Five Work and Income centres were open today to support anyone who needed financial support, she said.
Welfare centres were operating at Burnside High School, Pioneer Stadium, Rangiora Baptist Church and Windsor School.
Cowles Stadium and Rolleston were closed but the site at Rolleston would reopen if needed.
"There is a great demand for support during a time like this and we're here to offer any assistance we can to those affected," Ms Bennett said.
She urged people to keep using the government helpline -- 0800 779 997 -- for anything to do with financial assistance, donations, locating relatives and food, water and power.
