UPDATED: 2:30pm Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Earthquake in Christchurch

The City of Dunedin did not sustain any damage due to the earthquake that occurred in Christchurch, some 350kms away.

At the time of writing we are not aware of any physical issues to staff and students of Otago. Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Canterbury.  Otago Polytechnic remains operating as normal at this time.

National State of Emergency

The New Zealand Government has declared a National State of Emergency. A state of national emergency can be declared when the civil defence response is beyond the resources of the responsible local authority. In this case, there is a need to coordinate the significant amount of assistance and resources that have arrived and are arriving from other regions and from overseas. Learn more here - www.civildefence.govt.nz/.

While this measure reflects the seriousness of the situation in Christchurch it is NOT expected to affect the day to day operation of Otago Polytechnic.

Our Students and Staff

We are aware that some staff and students will need to be absent to support loved ones. Please talk directly with your Head of School / Progamme Manager or Lecturer responsible for your course if this is the case and remain in contact. No doubt those of you affected may be worried about completing study commitments, and the Polytechnic will be as accommodating and supportive as possible. 

For student support please direct make contact directly with Student Services located on in H Block ground floor H129.  Additionally the Counselling team is available for drop-ins today in the centre on the Ground Floor of F Block should that be useful for you.  As always our Chaplain Mike Wright is available for support.

International Students

We wish to reassure friends and family of our International Students that our Dunedin and Central Otago campuses are not affected by the Christchurch Earthquake. If you are having difficulty reaching a student at Otago Polytechnic you can contact Otago Polytechnic on +64 3 477 3014 and we will do our best to assist you.

Updates and Helplines

Map of Dunedin relative to Christchurch

For overseas parents and loved ones of Otago Polytechnic students, we have prepared this map of the lower South Island to show the relative between the two cities. At 350km to 360km distance, a normal car journey between the two cities takes approximately 4-5 hours.


View South Island in a larger map

Map Key

  • The blue label marks Otago Polytechnic's location in Dunedin
  • The red pin marks Christchurch's location

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