The State of International Education in Christchurch
October 2011 – Status Update
Report by Education New Zealand on the status of international Education in Christchurch NZ
Over six months have passed since Christchurch's February 22 earthquake and the repair work is underway.
However, parts of the central city still remain off limits, and in a few of the worst hit areas potholes still block the roads.
Small aftershocks are ongoing. Some recent ones measured up to magnitude-4.2.
Earthquake experts at GNS Science say quake-probability figures released recently show the chance of a magnitude-6 to 6.4 quake over the next year is now 10 per cent, down from 15 per cent in July's estimates.
Throughout Christchurch, damaged buildings are being demolished at a rapid pace by 78 demolition crews.
About 370 buildings have been demolished, but 530 wait to be either pulled down entirely, partly demolished or made safe.
About 8000 extra construction and engineering workers will be needed for the rebuild of the city over the next several years.
Large numbers of Christchurch residents and international students left the city immediately after the quake and while the majority of them have returned, some have moved to other areas.
Some schools in the city's most affected eastern suburbs have reported roll declines of about 20 per cent. Several schools that were temporarily operating out of other premises after the earthquake have been able to return to their original campuses, while a few will return when the new school year begins next February.