Eight recovery assistance centres will open, six of them tomorrow, in areas hardest hit by the Christchurch earthquake, Social Development Minster Paula Bennett says.
"These centres will provide a range of services to people in localised areas in Christchurch, particularly the eastern suburbs," she said.
A centre at Burnside High School was closing so classes could resume. People staying overnight in welfare centres were being provided other accommodation.
"As the focus moves towards sustainable solutions for Christchurch, recovery centres will provide the day-to-day support needed, while families move into private accommodation."
Recovery assistance centres would provide service and information from agencies including Work and Income, Housing New Zealand, Christchurch City Council, Red Cross and Salvation Army.
More non-government organisations would be joining.
"People visiting a recovery assistance centre will find they're essentially a one-stop shop where people can sort out emergency payments, housing issues, get counselling or just have a cup of tea and a chat."
Most recovery assistance centres will be situated in the hardest-hit suburbs in east Christchurch such as Aranui, Linwood, Dallington and New Brighton.
Financial assistance in the form of civil defence payments and the earthquake support package remain available to anyone in need.
The Government's assistance package for employers and workers has led to $38 million being paid out to 5000 employers to cover 26,300 staff.
A further 5200 sole traders have taken it up and 2700 individual employees have taken up job loss cover.
"Payments are being quickly processed and around 80% of approved applications have already been paid."
