Industry associations are working towards further coordination of the Christchurch relief operation.

 More than 30 BusinessNZ-affiliated industry groups met today to exchange information on continuing relief efforts and undertook to spread the word that ‘business is open’ in Canterbury.

 Member businesses of the industry groups are helping in many ways, including free use of helicopters, road vehicles, equipment and personnel, and financial, food and other donations.

 BusinessNZ Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly said the extent of industry and official government help for Christchurch individuals and families has been extraordinary.

 “In the midst of this unfolding tragedy we have seen the courage and resilience of Christchurch people and the genuine desire for businesses to help.

 “Industry associations will help coordinate those efforts and promote the fact that Christchurch is open for business. 

 “The Affiliated Industries Group believes the quickest way to help Christchurch get back to normality is to buy things from there.

 “People and enterprises elsewhere can help greatly simply by doing business with Christchurch firms.”