Christchurch earthquake: Day 12 updates

General view of a cottage owned by 102-year-old Mavis Pattison in Christchurch. Mavis's small cottage in the suburb of Sumner suffered extensive damage in the earthquake that struck Canterbury. Photo / Alan Gibson

Tracking today's events as they happen on day 12 of the Christchurch earthquake disaster.

6.30pm
That concludes our quake coverage for today. We'll be back tomorrow morning with more up-to-date coverage of the Canterbury earthquake.

6.28pm
Farmers dealing with the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquake are getting sick of rubberneckers.

Farm advisers and researchers told a meeting at Rolleston near Christchurch this week they had heard of crops being trampled by unwelcome visitors in some areas and farmers feeling like they were "in a fishbowl" as "rubberneckers" stopped to look at damage.

A report prepared by scientists and researchers from Lincoln and Canterbury universities suggested farmers were becoming stressed by being the centre of much attention.

"One family whose house lies on the fault has had the trauma of violent shaking, a badly damaged house and land, and the news that they cannot reoccupy the site. Now, over a week after the event, large numbers of people are still treating their home as a spectacle and inconveniencing them by blocking their driveway," the report said.

Other farmers had also reported unapproved access to their land, which could create health and safety liabilities, especially as land and trees were destabilised during the earthquake.

The Rural Recovery Group, set up to deal with the rural response to the quake, said if people wanted to see the effects on the landscape, they should visit the television channels' websites.

6.10pm
Student volunteers who helped in the earthquake clean-up have been rewarded with tickets to a sold-out Metallica gig.

And their leader, Sam Johnson, a candidate in next month's Christchurch's community board elections, has been given top political endorsement.

At Canterbury University today, Prime Minister John Key thanked the students for their hard-work and spirit of community.

He then turned to Mr Johnson who is standing for the Riccarton/Wigram community board and said while he did not normally endorse candidates, this time he would.

"Good luck, I hope you win," Mr Key said.

Mr Johnson, a third-year law and political science student, set up a Facebook page calling students to volunteer in the quake clean-up.

Metallica has two sold-out concerts at CBS Canterbury arena next week but in wake of the devastating earthquake on September 4 the band and promoter Michael Coppel wanted to help.

They had donated about 300 suite tickets for the student volunteers and emergency services to attend the concert.

5.45pm
The Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Commission is inviting those who have had to leave their usual place of residence due to structural damage to apply for Emergency Grants.

The grants are intended to provide initial one-off assistance. Click here to find out more.

4.44pm
Christchurch City Council is holding a series of ward meetings for the community to discuss the recovery operation with council representatives.

The Hagley-Ferrymead ward meeting is at the Avonside Girls School at 5.30pm tomorrow.

The Burwood Pegasus ward meeting is at Burwood Primary School at 7.30, also tomorrow.

The Shirley Papanui ward meeting is at the Papanui RSA at 7pm on Friday.

The Riccarton Wigram ward meeting is at Oaklands School Hall at 4.30pm on Saturday.

The Spreydon Heathcote ward meeting is at The Cashmere Club next Tuesday at 7.30pm.

The Fendalton Waimairi meeting is at the Fendalton Service Centre at 7.30pm next Wednesday.

Public meetings for Lyttelton-Mt Herbert and Akaroa-Wairewa are yet to be confirmed.

4.22pm
Bus passengers should expect delays and temporary route detours to some Metro services over the next few weeks.

* Expect route deviations on bus services travelling to and through Kaiapoi.
* The 51 Tower Junction - New Brighton in both directions is not travelling on Orari, Wairoa, Birch and Waitaki Streets until further notice.
* Colombo Street, from Moorhouse Ave overbridge to Brougham Street, remains closed and buses will not service this area until further notice.
* The Christchurch City Bus Exchange is open and fully operational.
* The 480 Kainga is running a limited service from Brooklands to The Palms only.
* The Orbiter has resumed its normal route.

Call 366 88 55 for more information, visit www.metroinfo.co.nz or ask your driver.

4.17pm
Christchurch City Council has defended itself after residents of a block of earthquake-damaged New Brighton flats were reportedly evicted without warning yesterday, some not even allowed to collect their possessions.

The flats were boarded up by council staff as they were deemed unsafe, despite residents having occupied them since the 7.1 magnitude quake on September 4.

The council said today the "safety and welfare of tenants was the first consideration" when the council acted to relocate the residents.

Carolyn Gallagher, unit manager community support, said all the tenants have moved to alternative accommodation, either staying with family and friends, or in accommodation arranged by the Council.

She said staff from City Housing and City Care helped the tenants retrieve personal possessions from their units before they moved.

The council said once the decision to evacuate the buildings was made, housing officers "made a concerted effort to contact all the residents" and "other staff were at the units yesterday to speak personally to those who had not been able to be contacted before they came home".

4.04pm
Gerry Brownlee has announced an additional economic support package for small to medium enterprises in the Canterbury region.

"There are more than 300 experienced volunteer business mentors standing by throughout the Canterbury region to provide guidance to small-to-medium businesspeople as they get back on their feet after the quake," Mr Brownlee said.

"Business Mentors New Zealand has waived the $100 (plus GST) registration fee for mentoring, so if you're struggling to get momentum in the wake of the earthquake I encourage you to pick up the phone and seek help."

The months ahead will potentially be the toughest many business people had experienced, Mr Brownlee said.

"It is important that businesspeople know they are not alone and that experienced help is at hand."

3.34pm
Inland Revenue has been given the power to waive interest on late tax payments for Canterbury earthquake victims.

"Tax affairs may be the last thing on quake victims' minds at a time like this, but at least we can make it one less thing for them to worry about," Revenue Minister Peter Dunne said.

He said Cabinet had yesterday agreed to allow 'use of money' interest payable on late payment of tax to be waived during emergencies.

Use of money interest is routinely charged on late tax payments, but he said the change was essentially about acknowledging that many people couldn't meet their tax obligations for reasons beyond their control.

"For instance they may have been unable to get into their buildings or records have been destroyed, or it might be that personal circumstances prevented them from paying on time," Mr Dunne said.

The interest waiver will apply to all interest charged by Inland Revenue to those who were prevented from paying on time.

An Inland Revenue Disaster Response line has also been set up on 0800 473 566.

3.35pm
Firefighters have been working relentlessly since the earthquake struck Canterbury. And when Plimmerton firefighter Tony Sutorius heard of the earthquake in Canterbury, his thoughts went to his fellow volunteers.

"We were all wondering what we could do, we wanted to help, but weren't sure how."

Mr Sutorius contacted some of his tired colleagues in Canterbury, who suggested they shout them some beers.

"It wasn't what we had in mind," he said.

Nearly all of the region's stations have been shouted, and with only six to go, Mr Sutorius reckons they'll all have been shouted by the end of the week.

Shouts have come from across New Zealand, and even as far afield as Germany.

"Firefighters are like an international family," Mr Sutorius said.

The shouts are accompanied by messages of support, such as "Thanks for your efforts. Heads up!","These soldiers deserve it", and from the fire service's Operational Support: "Because that's what Operational Support is for!"

Mr Sutorius had heard from some of the recipients that the beer had been enjoyed by the firefighters at family barbecues, which provided a much needed rest for the volunteers.

"It was a nice practical way to reach out and give them our support."

Brigades can be shouted here.

3.11pm
While the best side of the people of Canterbury has been on display in the wake of the earthquake, an exception seek to exploit the natural disaster for their own benefit.

Early this morning Rangiora Police, supported by New Zealand Army staff, arrested seven young offenders who were breaching a cordon in the Kaiapoi suburb of Courtney Downs.

Courtney Downs has been severly affected by the quake and many homes remain unoccupied.

The seven were travelling in a vehicle stolen from the Rangiora area and had been moving around the Rolleston area and the North Canterbury areas of Clarkville, Ohoka and Spencerville.

Police and army personnel spotted the group within the cordon at Kaiapoi around 2am. The group ran through numerous deserted properties trying to elude police and army. Six of the group were caught.
A seventh male youth, who had stolen a bicycle from a garage in Kaiapoi, rode to Rangiora and was found later by police.

Army personnel did a mailbox drop in Kaiapoi which gave details of the bike, and a short time later the owner came forward and police were able to return the bike to him.

"These arrests send another clear message to people contemplating illegal activity or behaviour as a result of the Canterbury earthquake - this will not be tolerated by police," said Senior Sergeant Warren Newbury of Rangiora police.

Two males aged 15, one aged 14 and another aged 17 were arrested. One 13-year-old female and a 17-year-old female were also arrested, together with another youth.

Police are still investigating the extent of the activity the group were involved in.

Members of the group were due to appear in the Christchurch Youth Court and the Christchurch District Court today.

3.08pm:
Police Commissioner Howard Broad has blogged on his experience during a visit to Christchurch last week.

Broad praised the efforts of the police in Canterbury, saying many police staff volunteered for duty following the quake, despite being affected by the devastation just like everyone else. He says 36 police staff members may lose their homes as a result of the quake.

Mr Broad's blog can be read here.

2:55pm
Health authorities in Christchurch have called in police to deal with whitebaiters who insist on fishing in rivers polluted with sewage and wastewater overflows after the earthquake, reports the Star Canterbury.

People seeking the seasonal delicacy have been ignoring regional council Environment Canterbury warnings to stay away from Christchurch and North Canterbury rivers because any whitebait caught in local waterways are unsafe to eat.

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Alistair Humphrey said he had invoked powers of exclusion under the Health Act that allowed police to forcibly remove whitebaiters who persisted in ignoring the warnings.

Police were patrolling along the rivers "when they have time," Dr Humphries told The Star.

"They're not arresting people, just moving them on," he said.

Rivers remained contaminated with sewage and wastewater following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake on September 4 and Dr Humphrey reiterated warnings that it was unsafe to gather fish or shellfish, including whitebait.

He said the problem with whitebait was that fishers were "not only putting themselves at risk," but also endangering others if they gave away or sold part of their catch.

Dr Humphrey said anyone who sees people whitebaiting in the Avon, Heathcote, Halswell and Styx rivers, the Estuary, and the tidal reaches of the Kaiapoi River should notify the police.

The public were advised to avoid contact with any river water and sea water in these areas due to their likely contamination as a result of the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

2.46pm: The Department of Labour is warning people of the possibility of asbestos dust exposure following the earthquake.

A large proportion of buildings older than 20 years will contain some asbestos materials. When not disturbed these are normally safe as they do not release asbestos fibres, but any break up of these materials can pose a risk of asbestos dust exposure.

The department says builders and contractors engaged to repair, demolish or remove rubble from a stable but earthquake-damaged building should following the normal asbestos management controls.

The department recommends the use of P1 and P2 respirator masks when disposing of debris.

2.12pm: A 3.7 magnitude aftershock struck at 1.52pm, 20km west of Christchurch.

12.42pm: The deputy director of the Arts Centre in Christchurch is hoping the public will return to the complex's historic buildings over the coming days, after most of the site reopened yesterday.

Jennie Currie said 70 percent of the complex is now open, with 18 shops opening to the public yesterday, but 12 remain closed.
She said there were people coming into the Arts Centre, but not as many as on a usual Wednesday.

"We need to get the people back. People are starting to come back, but we hope to see more people come this weekend."

The five and a half acre site is in the centre of Christchurch City and is home to 23 category one heritage buildings. As well as shops, the Arts Centre has several cafes, restaurants and theatres.
Currie said the Great Hall, the Clock Tower, Observatory and the old Christchurch Boys' High buildings sustained the most damage from the quake.

She said structural engineers have been through the site securing the buildings so as to allow the public and the centre's tenants to return.
Currie said Friday's farmers market will be going ahead, as will this weekend's markets.

A list of which stores are open and which are closed can be found here.

12.30pm: Prime Minister John Key will be visiting University of Canterbury students who assisted with cleaning up Christchurch's streets this afternoon.

He will be joined by the Mayor Bob Parker, as well as Jason Kerrison of rock band Opshop, at the NZI3 Building on Creyke Road between 2pm and 3pm.

11.58 The Canterbury Star has reported the tourism industry in Christchurch is in a good position to recover from the earthquake with nearly all of Christchurch's tourism operators, visitor attractions, and accommodation providers are back in business, 11 days after the 7.1 magnitude quake.
Key visitor attractions in Christchurch emerged from the quake largely undamaged and it is estimated that 98 percent of accommodation providers and tourist attractions in Christchurch and the wider region are up and running.

Meanwhile University of Auckland Department of Marketing senior lecturer Rick Starr believes tourism in the Garden City will rebound well and that the long term impact of the quake on tourism will "essentially neutral". Click here for more.

11.03am Four new recovery assistance centres will open tomorrow, providing the people of Christchurch with a "one-stop-shop" for social services in the wake of the earthquake.

The centres will house a number of services including Victim Support, Inland Revenue, Housing New Zealand, City Housing, Work and Income, as well as providing access to counselling and budgeting services.
Christchurch City Recovery Manager, Mike Theelen said there had been a decrease in the number of people coming to the welfare centres for support.

"The welfare centre at Addington is now closed and Cowles Stadium will close on Wednesday. Everyone who has accessed these centres has been helped into accommodation and we will continue to support those in need of counselling services," Mr Theelen said.

The centres will be at the Department of Labour office in Kilmore St, the Linwood Community Link in Aldwins Rd, Heartlands Services in Shands Rd, Hornby, and the Work and Income office in Beresford St, New Brighton.

"We will provide this service for as long as it's needed," Mr Theelen said. "The Government help line will also continue to run and we ask people who need help or advice to contact us on 0800 779 997, or the counselling line, Right Place, Right Time, on 0800 777 846."

10.24am The closure of roads for repairs after the Canterbury earthquake is continuing to affect Metro bus routes.

The 51 Tower Junction to New Brighton route is not travelling on Orari, Wairoa, Birch and Waitaki streets until further notice.

Colombo St, from Moorhouse Ave overbridge to Brougham St, remains closed and buses will not service this area until further notice.

The 480 Kainga is running a limited service from Brooklands to The Palms only.

The Christchurch City Bus Exchange is open and fully operational and the Orbiter has resumed

9.57am Bay of Plenty authorities are sending money and staff to help in Canterbury. Environment Bay of Plenty has donated $100,000 to its Canterbury counterpart for infrastructure repairs and the region's Civil Defence and Emergency management group has sent five building inspectors to the earthquake zone.

9.53am A public meeting is to be held tonight for Waimakariri residents at the Kaiapoi High School auditorium at 7pm tonight.

Representatives from the Earthquake Commission will be providing information and answering questions.

9.20am The Waimakariri District Council is having to discharge sewage directly into the Kaiapoi River after a major failure in the system and the Waimakariri River is also contaminated.

Civil defence controller Nick Harrison is concerned some people don't seem to appreciate the potential risks in continuing to use the rivers.

Mr Harrison says they know some whitebaiters are still casting nets into contaminated waterways despite health warnings.

9.15am: Students will be able to return to the University of Canterbury campus today to use the library and collect belongings from lockers.

Lectures will not start until Monday however. Students' timetables will resume then as normal.

A series of briefings will be held today at the C1 Lecture Theatre at 10am, 11.30am and 3.30pm, updating students on the new arrangements and running through health and safety announcements.

Semester two has been cut from 12 weeks to 11 weeks, the study period will now be five days and the exam timetable has been reduced by two days

8.50am: States of Emergency will remain in place in the Christchurch, Waimakariri and Selwyn districts until noon tomorrow.

Civil Defence Minister John Carter said the decision was made to retain the declaration to "ensure a smooth and safe transition from states of emergency to a state of urgency across the districts".

The states of emergency were to be lifted today.

"From tomorrow 12 noon, mayors and Civil Defence officials who have had a lead role in managing the earthquake response in the three districts through the past 10 days will step back from that immediate response role."