Central city lawyers urged to register for cordon access

The cordons around the Christchurch CBD and areas in Sydenham remain closed to ensure public safety and no unauthorised access will be granted.

Civil Defence is developing a plan to allow people to retrieve cars and property from buildings within the cordon.

Businesses which want to enter the cordon and which have internet access are being urged to register online at www.recovercanterbury.co.nz. A link on the homepage (Register to enter cordon) takes users straight through to an easy-to-use registration page. Businesses without internet access can call 0800 505 096. Following registration businesses will be contacted with updates as they come to hand. Communication will be by email in the first instance and by phone where this is not possible.

For safety reasons, access will be for a strictly limited period and will be closely controlled. It will allow business owners to retrieve essential records and portable equipment. The work will be done in stages, starting with the least affected areas in the CBD.

© New Zealand Law Society 2008