Earthquake response report released

The Ministry of Civil Defence says many of the 108 recommendations put forward in its review to the Canterbury earthquakes are already in place.

The report out today pushes for better connection between the official emergency response and community organisations, and ensuring higher priority is given to preserving businesses and jobs after an emergency.

Four out of the six major recommendations have been ticked off by the government.

Director of Civil Defence, John Hamilton says some of the hundred-odd changes are already in place - while others could much longer.

"Some of the recommendations will be a little bit more complex to figure out exactly how we might implement it. But the reports recommendations are now forming the bulk of the ministry's work programme for the next couple of years."

The independent report involved interviewing more than 200 people.

Hamilton says the report makes very positive comments about the way in which the community responded and helped each other.

"If anything, it's a strong and powerful message to make sure that our emergency management messages are all about community, and about the way the community should be empowered to respond to it's local emergency services."