1200 hours 3 March 2011
Update on self-evacuee registration numbers

Waikato Civil Defence Emergency Management Group says 248 Christchurch self-evacuees had registered with authorities in the region as of last night, an increase of about 90 compared to Wednesday morning.

There may be other self-evacuees who have not registered. New self-evacuee registrations can be made at Work and Income service centres or by phoning the Red Cross on 0800 733 276.

Any people from Christchurch needing welfare assistance are being directed to get in touch with the Work and Income service centres.

Also in Hamilton, a one-stop-shop has been set up in Housing New Zealand’s Victoria Street office for Christchurch self-evacuees seeking help, information and advice. A similar information service has been established at the Huntly marae.

To help evacuees, Waikato Civil Defence has produced information cards which will be distributed through key ports, such as the region’s airports, transport centres and hospitals.

Full details of arrangements and services for Christchurch residents arriving in the region are available on the Waikato Civil Defence website, www.waikatoregioncdemg.govt.nz.

Meanwhile, the numbers of people deployed through Waikato Civil Defence to assist in Christchurch stood at 26 this morning, with 36 on standby to go and another 92 people who have volunteered to go.

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