New Zealand Prime Minister John Key says his country would be willing to accept any support South Korea can provide in regards to restoration efforts following the devastating earthquake in Christchurch.

In an exclusive interview with KBS held in Christchurch on Tuesday, the prime minister said that relief and restoration operations will cost an estimated 20 billion dollars and that if Seoul offers to help, his country would accept.

Key also said that officials are doing their best to identify the deceased and to locate all missing people including two South Korean siblings.

But he said that such operations will take time, citing a lack of equipment and workers. He expressed hope that Seoul would assist in providing forensic experts and equipment.