Prime Minister John Key says insurance companies are starting to provide new cover for the Christchurch city rebuild.
Christchurch residents and businesses have complained over the past year about difficulties getting new insurance cover, and hefty premiums.
Mr Key says says construction is underway on 26 significant commercial buildings in central Christchurch and people are starting to access insurance cover through the normal markets.
He says there were fears the earthquake on 23 December might set back the reinsurance process.
However, insurers weren't overly concerned about it and are starting to feel a greater degree of confidence about offering new insurance for the rebuild.
