In February, Christchurch was struck by a series of earthquakes that saw 181 people killed and many of the buildings across the region either badly damaged or destroyed including the Queen Elizabeth II Park which is the city's main multi-use athletics stadium.

The grants will see eight athletes share a pot of just under $40,000 (£25,592/€30,563) while the amount of money allocated to each athlete has been calculated according to need.

The athletes were selected following an open application process that detailed the financial cost of the disruption they faced and the NZOC Secretary General, Kereyn Smith, said the hardship grants were an important contribution to athletes in their preparations for the London 2012 Olympics.

"I know the financial support will help them towards achieving their goals," said Smith.

"The New Zealand Olympic Committee is right behind them and wishes them well on the road to London next year."

The grants were awarded to judoka Jason Koster, cyclist Joanne Kiesanowski, kayakers Liam O'Loughlin and Fred Teer, triathletes Andrea Hewitt (pictured) and James Elvery, athlete Rebecca Wardell and swimmer Sophia Batchelor.

Batchelor, one of the country's most promising swimmers, will receive the biggest grant of $6,520 (£4,172/€4,982) after the 16-year-old saw her family home damaged beyond repair and both her parents lose their business premises.

Her club training pool at Aquagym was also closed because of damage as was the 50 metre QEII pool.

Batchelor admitted she is delighted to receive a grant in the wake of the disaster.

"It's a fantastic early Christmas present," she said.

"I value the support of the New Zealand Olympic Committee and I am looking forward to the challenge of qualifying for the Olympics.

"If I am successful then I will do everything to make New Zealand proud.

"This money will go towards the training and travel needed to achieve my goals.

"This will take a lot of pressure off my parents who work super hard to support my swimming career financially."

The remaining $150,000 (£95,940/€114,576) left over from the Christchurch Athlete Hardship Grant will be put towards the construction of a temporary high performance centre being developed in the region.

The funding grants were announced following the news that Christchurch will host the official 2012 Olympic Welcome Home event for Team New Zealand in August.

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