A Christchurch earthquake relief fund has stopped accepting any new applications for money due to an overwhelming number of requests.
The Mayor's Welfare Earthquake Relief Fund provides assistance to Christchurch residents experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.
The fund is administered by the Mayor's Welfare Fund Charitable Trust and its chair, city councillor Helen Broughton, says it has received more than 1300 requests for help since January 2011.
She says the trust has had to suspend applications.
Ms Broughton says there is huge need in the community, with people facing real hardship due to the effects of the earthquakes, and donations to the fund are still welcome.
