Christchurch earthquake: State of emergency extended

The Civil Defence Minister has extended the state of national emergency for another week.

It was first declared last month, the day after the February 22 Christchurch earthquake, and has been extended every week since.

It is expected to continue for several more weeks, Civil Defence Minister John Carter said.

Under the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002 a state of national emergency can be declared for a maximum of seven days at a time.

The declaration means the Civil Defence national controller remains in control of the recovery operation in Christchurch.

- NZHERALD STAFF