Christchurch earthquake: More of CBD opens to public

The collapsed Pyne Gould building. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Green zone three of the Christchurch CBD has opened to the public this morning, but the police presence in the area will not diminish.

The area, bounded by Bealey Ave to the north, Fitzgerald Ave to the east, Salisbury and Cambridge Terrace to the south, and Montreal to the west, was due to open at 8am.

Superintendent Russell Gibson told TV3's Firstline the strong police presence in the area will remain even after it opens to the public, but the security of buildings in the area remain the owner's responsibility.

Around 300 Australian police and 300-400 New Zealand police remain in the city.

"We have still got a very high presence of police in the CBD, in fact right across Christchurch. In saying that, at the end of the day when we release this area the responsibility goes back to the owners of the buildings," Mr Gibson said.

A plan is also being made by police to return cars packed in the red zone to owners over the next 24-hours. Mr Gibson said owners should register with police (on 03 3637400) if their vehicle is in the area, yet to be opened to the public, and details on how to retrieve your car will be placed on the police website.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker told TV3 people entering the area will be getting close to the severe damage sustained in the centre of the city and warned people not to rush in to have a look.

The total rebuild bill is estimated to be around $30 billion, but Mr Parker expects it to be as high as $40-$50 billion.

He said the rebuild will have to be taken "a step at a time".

"If you try think of it all at once your head will explode."

Zone 4, which lies in the north-east of the CBD alongside Hagley Park, has been upgraded to an "orange zone" as aftershocks have caused further damage to buildings near major roads in the zone.