Reduced cordons

The emergency management centre has instructed Police to reduce the cordons surrounding the Christchurch central business district.

The restricted access area is now bounded by Colombo, Worcester, Madras and St Asaph Streets.

Entry to these areas will be through checkpoints at Colombo and Lichfield St and Madras and Cashel Street intersections. Staff at these checkpoints will be keeping a record of all people who enter the restricted areas.

"This is so that we know who is in these areas at all times, with the continuing after shocks there is still a risk to those entering the cordoned area and as such we need to know who is in there should we need to evacuate that area," said Inspector John Price.

"We ask that people continue to be vigilant and put safety first when entering buildings or the cordoned area."