Aon has opened a new office in Christchurch, becoming one of the first companies to build permanent commercial space since the earthquake in February last year.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key last week officially opened Aon House, a two-storey site built to the new seismic code.

More than 50 staff had been working in a temporary building since their office in Cathedral Square was damaged beyond repair, according to Aon NZ CEO Geoff Blampied.

He says construction of the new office is a morale-booster for the city and shows Aon is committed to the recovery.

“It shows our people and all those who have helped us get here that we are in this for the long haul,” Mr Blampied told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “It gives us the security and resources to get on with our work, which is to help others rebuild.”

Aon occupies one floor of the building on Blenheim Road, outside the city centre, but it has space to expand. The company that built Aon House is the second-floor tenant.

Mr Blampied says although the recovery of Christchurch is well under way, insurers remain cautious about rebuilding in the CBD red zone, where extensive soil damage means buildings are likely to need deep foundations.