Kaikoura is slowly coming back to life, as five of the six schools prepare to reopen.
Construction crews are working on clearing away the large piles of bricks and rubble left around Kaikoura High School, but Principal John Tait says the damage is "superficial".
"It's necessary, but the super-structure of the building is fine," he says.
Its 200 students are due back in class on Wednesday after an unexpected two-week holiday.
Parent Jo Fissenden says she knows her kids are in safe hands on their return to school.
"Everything's being done that's possible to keep the kids safe, and I know school wouldn't be back without that."
Across the road at Kaikoura Primary, Education Minister Hekia Parata on Tuesday surveyed the damage and assured parents and pupils all six schools in the area were out of any danger.
"There's been engineers through; the water's back on, the sewage is back on," she said.
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