Some residents in Christchurch fear there is a risk to the region's history if the damage to headstones following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake on 4 September, is not addressed.
Genealogy enthusiast Bryan Pratt says gravesites could become unrecognisable if headstones are not repaired.
Christchurch City Council says up to half the headstones in its cemeteries are damaged and it is not its responsibility to repair them.
The council has advertised in metropolitan and suburban papers asking families to come forward to repair headstones.
While the response has been good the council says it may have to end up paying for some repairs.
The council says it is confident most families will come forward to repair the headstones.
