Frustrated Christchurch business owners are likely to get a chance to inspect their earthquake-damaged properties in the heart of the city from Thursday.
A plan is being worked on to allow them to also remove some equipment from the Red Zone so they can help run their busineses elsewhere if possible.
Business operators have already been allowed into areas outside the Central Business District (CBD) to collect office or industrial equipment.
National Civil Defence Controller John Hamilton is working on a similar plan for the hard-hit CBD, the so-called Red Zone, and hopes to have it ready by Thursday.
He says it's likely to involve small numbers of people, accompanied by Urban Search and Rescue staff and an engineer, going into the area building by building.
The aim is to help people recover equipment that can help them to restart their businesses elsewhere and contribute to Christchurch's rebirth. Further details are still to be unveiled.
Mr Hamilton says any opening will be temporary and the zone will stay sealed off to normal traffic for months.
