Some much needed support for South Island farmers affected by this week's quakes

The Government's announced a $5 million rural support package, with four million dollars to go towards a Mayoral Relief Fund, half a million dollars for rural recovery coordinators, and a similar sum for Rural Support Trusts.

Rural assistance payments are also being made available to farmers who are deemed to be in real hardship, and another $200,000 will go towards farm recovery work.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said it won't be the be all and end all for everyone.

"The magnitude of this event for rural communities and for farming businesses is going to be a lot more significant than $5 million."