Welfare centre closes in Kaiapoi

9:22 am on 20 September 2010

The welfare centre in Kaiapoi, one of the areas worst affected by the Canterbury quake, has shut its doors as the town moves into a recovery phase.

But more than a fortnight on from the quake, many say the real work has just begun in the town, where about 400 homes have been deemed uninhabitable.

At a Civil Defence debrief in Kaiapoi on Sunday night, community leaders and volunteers emphasised the need to keep the community spirit alive.

Local MP Labour's Clayton Cosgrove says there's still a big need for volunteers, even if the area begins to look more normal.

A recovery assistance centre at the Kaiapoi Community Centre opened on Monday, offering continuing support.