Christchurch was left in tatters after the catastrophic magnitude 6.3 earthquake which hit at 12.51pm on Tuesday, and resulted in a national state of emergency being declared on Wednesday morning.
More than 500 offers of accommodation had been made in the Queenstown Lakes district alone by noon yesterday. Otago controllers agreed yesterday morning to make a "single approach" to offer accommodation to Cantabrians.
Queenstown Lakes District Council Civil Defence controller James Hadley said a register of accommodation offers from the community was being formed and anyone with offers should contact the council in the first instance.
Any Cantabrians requiring "immediate" accommodation were directed to the Queenstown i-Site.
"As a region, our immediate focus is to continue to prepare so that we can offer co-ordinated support.
"It is important that any assistance is well managed and the Civil Defence structures are in place for this reason."
Chief executive Debra Lawson said trained emergency response staff with a range of expertise had been offered to assist in Christchurch.
"Those staff are here with bags packed and will only head to Christchurch on request, as and when they are needed."
The council's emergency management officer, Brendan Winder travelled to Christchurch yesterday, while communications manager Meaghan Miller is on standby.
The council would also be canvassing schools in the district to understand how many children could potentially be placed.
Mr Hadley said some schools in the resort had been "proactive" on that front.
"We are receiving clear messages of support from our community who are ready to welcome Cantabrians and offer what they can," Ms Lawson said.
Queenstown Medical Centre had also set up services for those coming from Christchurch in need of medical, counselling and mental health services.
This would be co-ordinated by calling 0800 Victim (0800 842-846).
The council had also carried out a full survey of infrastructure in the district after the earthquake, which was also felt in Queenstown, but no damage had been reported.
"Clearly, we are in a sound position to look to Canterbury and offer what we can," Ms Lawson said.
"Where there are direct calls for assistance coming out of Christchurch - such as medical expertise - people in our district should respond directly to the numbers set up.
"People of the Lakes District can take some small comfort that this community has sent a clear message that it is ready and willing to assist."
