Central Otago 'as well prepared' as possible

Central Otago is "as well prepared as we can be" for a significant earthquake, Mayor Malcolm Macpherson says.

"When it happens, it comes down to the professionals involved, the police, the civil defence staff, the volunteer agencies, all those groups, who help determine how well we cope."

Central Otago was one of the districts that took part in an Otago-wide civil defence exercise recently, Dr Macpherson said.

The Central Otago District Council would certainly offer whatever support it could to those affected by the weekend disaster.

"That might take the form of financial assistance, or responding to a call for building inspectors, but we'll wait to find out what is needed. I know all the South Island authorities will work together on this and do our bit."