Disaster Register

Source data

Official milestones in the reduction of the central Christchurch earthquake cordon

Sources checked

Central Christchurch reopeningFrom the initial exclusion to full cordon removal
  1. 22 February 2011
    Earthquake hits Christchurch

    The earthquake kills 185 people. Authorities establish a cordon around much of the central business district. Source 1

  2. 23 February 2011
    National state of emergency

    The government declares a state of national emergency the day after the earthquake. Source 1

  3. 22 March 2011
    Safety cordon remains in place

    The government describes the exclusion as necessary for safety while buildings and debris are assessed. Source 2

  4. 16 February 2013
    Rebuild zone covers 38 hectares

    The government says the inner-city cordon has fallen from 387 hectares to 38 hectares. Source 4

  5. 14 May 2013
    Part of Cathedral Square reopens

    A temporary pedestrian corridor opens through part of the square during further restrictions. Source 5

  6. 30 June 2013
    Government reports the official cordon gone

    The government confirms the removal and announces a ceremony for the end of 857 days of Defence Force cordon service. Source 6

Choose a dated event to see what opened and which official record reported it.

Source 1 Source 2 Source 3 Source 4 Source 5 Source 6 Source 7

Official milestones in the reduction of the central Christchurch earthquake cordon

The timeline tracks public access to the central business district. Its dates describe official actions and notices. Residential red zones were a separate land recovery programme.

6 records
Source
22 February 2011Earthquake hits ChristchurchThe earthquake kills 185 people. Authorities establish a cordon around much of the central business district.Source 1
23 February 2011National state of emergencyThe government declares a state of national emergency the day after the earthquake.Source 1
22 March 2011Safety cordon remains in placeThe government describes the exclusion as necessary for safety while buildings and debris are assessed.Source 2
16 February 2013Rebuild zone covers 38 hectaresThe government says the inner-city cordon has fallen from 387 hectares to 38 hectares.Source 4
14 May 2013Part of Cathedral Square reopensA temporary pedestrian corridor opens through part of the square during further restrictions.Source 5
30 June 2013Government reports the official cordon goneThe government confirms the removal and announces a ceremony for the end of 857 days of Defence Force cordon service.Source 6

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