Civil Defence to issue quake ID cards

Photo / NZ Herald

People living and working inside the central city cordon in quake-damaged Christchurch are to be issued with official photo identification.

Civil Defence today said the new cards would be given only to those with legitimate business inside the cordon, Radio New Zealand reported.

The cards - colour-coded for residents, contractors and emergency service workers - would make it easier to identify who was going in and out.

People living inside the cordon have previously had to show several forms of identification to police or military personnel.

Civil Defence also planned to issue safety advice, including the safest routes within the cordon.

Zone five, between St Asaph St and Moorhouse Ave, was expected to reopened to businesses and residents tomorrow and to the general public from Friday.

- NZPA