Christchurch Police advise news media of the following policy relating to accessing the restricted cordon area:
1. The primary location for news media is the ART GALLERY, Montreal Street.
News media should access this location via the Bealey Avenue/Park Terrace cordon.
Media may make their own way through the cordon, park vehicles along Park Terrace, and make their way to the Art Gallery via Gloucester Street. It is helpful to have identification with you.
Broadcast vehicles may travel to the vicinity of the Art Gallery.
Vehicles sent to replenish fuel, water, supplies etc, may travel to the vicinity of the Art Gallery but must return to outside the cordon.
2. News Media must not leave the Art Gallery area except on the authorised Police escorted bus.
Police are monitoring all egress points around the Art Gallery.
3. Police are providing a shuttle bus service for media to give controlled access to three central city locations.
The shuttle is operating as a shuttle on the following route:
- Cordon on the corner of Bealey Avenue and Park Terrace
- Art Gallery
- Cathedral Square
- CTV building
- PGC building
News media can get off the bus at a viewing point at each location but MUST stay within the designated area. This will be controlled by Police.
The bus will remain at each location for approx 15 - 20 minutes and will then travel to the next location. Media can stay at a location if you chose but must wait for next bus to travel further.
The bus/es will operate as a continuous shuttle between these locations until approx. 23:00 tonight. The shuttle service will recommence at 05:30 tomorrow.
3. MEDIA MUST NOT BE IN OTHER AREA WITHIN THE CENTRAL CITY CORDON.
If news media are found at any other location within the cordon you will be instructed to leave the central city cordon immediately or return to one of the designated areas.
Thank you for your cooperation as we continue this rescue operation.
Christchurch Police Media 027 4320960
Police National Headquarters Public Affairs: 04 460 2986 or 04 4749482