SpeechMINISTERIAL STATEMENTSEarthquake—Kaikōura and Hanmer SpringsRt Hon JOHN KEY (Prime Minister): I wish to make a ministerial statement under Standing Order 356 in relation to yesterday's 7.5 magnitude earthquake. But before I do I seek leave for the leaders of parties not specified in Standing Order 357 or their representatives to also comment following my statement.Mr SPEAKER: Leave is sought for leaders of the smaller parties to participate. Is there any objection to that course of action? There is none.Rt Hon JOHN KEY: Just after midnight on Monday 14 November 2016 New Zealand was struck by another severe earthquake. The magnitude 7.5 earthquake was one of the largest ever. It was 16 kilometres deep and centred near Hanmer Springs. It was felt throughout much of the country and the subsequent aftershocks continue to keep many New Zealanders on edge. The damage is serious. Two people have lost their lives and their families are grieving. Our thoughts of course are with them. Others are living without power and in damaged homes. In Kaikōura communities have been cut off there is no running water or sewerage supplies have been limited and the phone coverage is unreliable. It is a reminder to always be prepared. My message to those communities is that the rest of New Zealand is standing alongside you to provide whatever support you need in the coming days weeks and months.Yesterday I saw for myself the damage wrought on southern roads and train lines and I spoke with those on the ground dealing with the aftermath and response. I have also seen the efforts of civil defence staff here in Wellington coordinating the national efforts. Our police have helped keep our affected communities safe and calm and our Defence Force has been on the ground and in the air since shortly after the quake struck carrying people and supplies where needed. Along with our firefighters and emergency medical staff and local volunteers they are doing an extraordinary job. Can I thank all of those who responded so quickly and so comprehensively to the disaster and continue to do so. Can I also thank all of the leaders and Governments from around the world for their messages of support and offers of assistance. Thanks in particular to the United States and Japan which are helping with the relief effort.Supplies and expertise are now flowing into affected areas. Vital services are being restored those who are stuck are being evacuated and we are gaining a better understanding of the damage. That damage is extensive but New Zealand is well placed to respond and we are well practised.We have been presented with yet another challenge but as we have done time and again we will rise to that challenge and we will rebuild. We will repair our roads rail and other infrastructure and we will help our affected communities. We will get a better understanding of exactly what happened and we will be even better prepared for next time. Although this is an unpleasant thought it is the reality of living here and New Zealanders must always bear that in mind. It is an unavoidable fact that New Zealand is prone to earthquakes but with each quake we have improved our response and you have seen that again in the last 36 hours.As Prime Minister I rarely feel a greater sense of pride or see our national character and resolve as clearly on display than in times of crises. As a country we are known for our resilience our generosity our commitment and our willingness to pick ourselves up and carry on even in the most trying of times. It is a credit to all Kiwis.To those New Zealanders and our international visitors in affected areas you have my absolute assurance that we are doing and will continue to do everything we can to support you. The financial cost will be significant but we will bear that. Our books are in order and our debt levels low so we have the financial capacity to fix our broken infrastructure and to support our affected businesses and communities. We have been here before and we have overcome those challenges. We are stronger as a result and I can assure you we will do the same this time.