The Civil Defence Minister is on the ground in Christchurch, but is adamant he's not calling the shots.

LISTEN ABOVE: Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee speaks to Mike Hosking

The fire in the Port Hills has burnt across more than 1,800 hectares.

Close to a thousand people have been evacuated and at least eight homes are thought to have been lost.

Gerry Brownlee said the State of Emergency - declared at 6 last night - should have been declared sooner.

He told Mike Hosking he's concerned not enough is being done, but he says it's up to the Fire Service to ask for further help.

"What does concern me is that for a couple of days we've been told nope, we've got everything we need, we don't need any more resources."

He said he'll be meeting with a number of people today, to see how the Government can now help.

"One thing I do want to make sure is that I'm not in the road of anything that people who are particularly charged with the responsibility to deliver, but I think being around is an important thing."