Prime Minister John Key says Monday's major aftershocks in Canterbury will not lessen the Government's resolve to rebuild Christchurch.
The region has been shaken by more significant earthquakes, including a tremor of magnitude 6.
Mr Key said it was a very frustrating time for the people of Christchurch and he was sure they just want a sense of normality to return.
"I acknowledge that this has been a setback for Christchurch and its people but it does not lessen our resolve to to rebuild.
"The people of Christchurch should know that all New Zealanders are thinking of them and will continue to support and stand by by them at this very difficult time."
The Cabinet did not consider the events warranted reinstating the national state of emergency, however the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management activated the National Crisis Management Centre in monitoring mode.
Civil Defence national controller David Coetzee said the response was being managed from the Christchurch City Council's emergency operations centre.
Mr Coetzee says the bunker is gathering information to keep the Government informed and to be ready to co-ordinate central government support, should that be needed.
