Auckland Council is giving $1.5 million to the earthquake recovery but says much greater support will be needed.
The council is prepared to slow major construction projects if material and expertise is urgently needed in Christchurch.
One councillor, Mike Lee, says the scale of ongoing support from Auckland may require changes to the council's forthcoming annual budget.
More than 100 Auckland Council staff will be working in Christchurch or preparing to travel there by the end of Thursday.
Civil Defence in Auckland has set up a welfare centre for evacuees at the Faith Church in Manukau.
People in Auckland who want to offer accomodation should ring 0800 AUCKLAND.
