Volunteers flying hot meals to residents

3:43 pm on 26 February 2011

Volunteers have started up a service taking hot meals by air to people in worst-affected suburbs of Christchurch.

The Rangiora Earthquake Express is using two helicopters to get food to residents in the southeast of Christchurch, including Bexley and Wainoni.

One of the organisers, Fiona Parks, says the Express has spent about 21 hours flying diuring the past two days, transporting more than 50 loads of meals, including 15,000 chicken nuggets.

She says they urgently need more donations of cooking, and people can take donations of meals to the Rangiora racecourse.

Samoa contributes to quake recovery

The government of Samoa has donated $100,000 to help initial recovery efforts in Christchurch.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said it was a small assistance on behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa. He said Samoa's prayers were with New Zealand.

Condolence book

Prince William and his fiancee Kate Middleton have signed the book of condolence for earthquake victims at the New Zealand High Commission in London.

They visited the high commission on Friday accompanied by Prince Harry, who also left a message of sympathy, as have Prince Charles and the Duke of Edinburgh.