There are numbers of overseas tourists and visitors to New Zealand who have managed to leave Christchurch since Tuesday’s earthquake but who have left important personal items behind there, Wellington Regional Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller Rian van Schalkwyk said.

There are numbers of overseas tourists and visitors to New Zealand who have managed to leave Christchurch since Tuesday’s earthquake but who have left important personal items behind there, Wellington Regional Civil Defence Emergency Management Controller Rian van Schalkwyk said.

“Since Tuesday, the Wellington region has played an important role processing hundreds of overseas visitors and tourists evacuated to Wellington by the Air Force. That process has gone very well, with those people being helped to either continue their international travels or to return home.

“But we’re now aware of foreign nationals who have found their own way out of Christchurch. Some of these people have been unable to get in touch with their families who may be concerned for their safety, some lack money, passports and other travel documents.

“It is important that these people register with the Red Cross. Red Cross people can put them in touch with their embassy or High Commission and also help provide other forms of assistance that these people may need.

“So if you are an overseas visitor or tourist who has left Christchurch but haven’t yet made contact with the Red Cross or a similar agency, or if you know of people like that, please contact Red Cross as soon as possible at 69 Molesworth St, Wellington City or phone 04 499 5827,” Rian van Schalkwyk said.