Dairy giant Fonterra has pledged $1 million towards recovery efforts following Saturday’s magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Canterbury.

The company will direct its donation to the mayoral relief fund organised in the wake of the early morning disaster.

In addition, Fonterra chief executive Andrew Ferrier said the company would also provide practical help with staff and equipment.

During the weekend, the company said it was working with civil defence teams to provide food and milk through emergency centres.