Education providers in Queenstown and Wanaka are trying to cope with an influx of more than 500 pupils from Christchurch.
Queenstown Lakes District Council has launched Project Assist with the aim of mobilising community services, education and medical needs for what are estimated to be several thousand new residents in the area.
Mayor Vanessa van Uden says service providers are able to cope in the short term, but planning is under way to manage the situation in the long term.
She says the old Wanaka Primary School has been reopened to cater for school pupils.
The Lakes District business community is also compiling a list of excess office space, which will be offered to Christchurch business owners looking to relocate.
The council is calling on residents who have relocated from Christchurch to register with the council to help with planning.
