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Foreign Minister Murray McCully today confirmed that more than 900 international personnel from over 12 international contributors are working shoulder to shoulder with New Zealanders on the rescue operation in Christchurch following the devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake. The rescue effort is supported by numerous international volunteers.

Search and rescue assistance received to date:

Minister of Foreign Affairs Murray McCully today welcomed specialist personnel from China who arrived in New Zealand this morning to strengthen the rescue and recovery operation following the devastating earthquake.

"We are very grateful for the contribution provided by our friends from China, the US, and the UK who have arrived in the past 12 hours. Each will provide a valuable boost to the efforts by New Zealand and international rescue workers in Christchurch," says Mr McCully.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully confirmed that New Zealand has grave fears that foreign nationals may be among the fatalities from Christchurch’s devastating earthquake.

One of the most damaged buildings is the CTV building which housed a private language school for foreign students called Kings Education, a regional television station and a nursing school and other businesses.

"The Minister of Tertiary Education, Hon Steven Joyce has today spoken with the Director of Kings Education John Ryder to offer any support the government can give.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully this morning confirmed that there are now 300 international search and rescue personnel in Christchurch, from four international contributors, working alongside New Zealanders to boost rescue efforts following the devastating earthquake.

Support from the United States is due to arrive overnight and from the United Kingdom tomorrow morning, boosting the number of search and rescue personnel by 130.

This is an update on assistance New Zealand has received from countries around the world for specialist search and rescue help following yesterday’s earthquake in Christchurch.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Murray McCully today expressed New Zealand’s gratitude for the messages of condolence received and for the offers of assistance made by many countries to help New Zealand’s search and rescue efforts following yesterday’s earthquake in Christchurch.