The government is extending its earthquake support to Wellington, where specific businesses will be offered wage subsidies to help them retain staff.

It's the same support scheme that's operating in Kaikoura, but there are limitations.

In the capital, it will only apply to businesses such as retail and hospitality which can't open because of cordons around them and can't find alternative premises.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce expects it will cover about a dozen businesses in Molesworth Street, 15 to 20 in Tory Street and a larger number in and around Queensgate Mall in Lower Hutt.

In Kaikoura, the scheme covers all businesses and so far 59 have taken it up.

"The situation in Wellington is different from that in Kaikoura because a state of emergency hasn't been declared and the city overall is functioning well," Mr Joyce said on Monday.

However, a small number of retail and hospitality businesses have been prevented from trading with the public for an extended period because of the need to demolish buildings."

The scheme pays $500 a week for a full time employee and $300 a week for a part time worker, for up to eight weeks.

The government set aside an initial $7.5 million to cover it.

Mr Joyce says the scheme will be reviewed and further funds will be made available if needed.