Port Hills zoning deadline delayed

Rockslides seen on the Port Hills after the 6.3 earthquake in Christchurch. Photo / File

The Government has extended the deadline for Christchurch's Port Hills residents to accept a Crown offer on their properties. The new deadline is January 31.

Work is continuing on a zoning review for the Port Hills and an announcement is expected in coming weeks, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said.

Mr Brownlee said the review was taking in all Port Hills zoned areas, not just those which had specifically asked for a review. He said that made the process more complex.

Once the outcome had been finalised, the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority would contact property owners.

Mr Brownlee said the Port Hills offer process was different to that of flat land, as property owners must complete final settlement within six weeks of accepting the Crown offer.

Flat land owners had until May 31 to accept their offer but had until January 31 next year to complete final settlement and move out, he said.