The Fonterra Earthquake Relief Fund has contributed more than $3 million to the Canterbury earthquake relief effort.

In the five days since the fund was set up, Fonterra staff and farmer shareholders have donated more than $1 million.

Chief executive Andrew Ferrier says donations are still coming in.

'Fonterra matched the first $1 million dollar-for-dollar, and we are going to continue doing that,” says Andrew.

Together with the $1 million the cooperative pledged last Wednesday, that means the broader Fonterra family has so far donated over $3 million.

Andrew says he was humbled by the way shareholders and staff from around the world had pitched in for those affected by the earthquake.

'This is a phenomenal contribution which shows this terrible disaster has touched our staff around the world.

'I am also very proud that our shareholders have been donating through other channels, and have been helping on the ground with accommodation and assistance with the clean-up.”