Government launches official quake appeal site
Department of Internal Affairs-run site goes live; PM sees potential for international donations.
Department of Internal Affairs-run site goes live; PM sees potential for international donations.
The government has launched an official quake appeal site, www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz, run by the Department of Internal Affairs.
Announcing the site, prime minister John Keay said it was "vital we reach as many people throughout the world as possible who want to help. This isn't just New Zealand's tragedy - the February 22 earthquake affected countless people internationally''.
Mr Key said he had been humbled by offers of help pouring in from around the world and the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal gave people another means of donating to the recovery effort.
The government site was designed to complement those already being run by the Red Cross and Salvation Army.
Donations made through the site are tax deductable.