Radio New Zealand

Civil Defence is looking to allow people to retrieve vehicles and check their businesses in some parts of Christchurch's central business district, cordoned off since the earthquake.

Access will first be allowed in the least affected areas under the supervision of authorities, and Civil Defence says people will not be allowed into high-risk areas where unstable buildings are located, or where rescue teams are still searching.

Fire crews dampened rubble to reduce dust during the demolition of the Carlton Hotel.

RNZ/Marcus Irvine

The Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Townsend says Civil Defence Minister John Carter and police understand how important it is that businesses retrieve items such as payroll databases.

He is optimistic that the thousands of businesses in the central city may be able to retrieve key equipment sooner than first thought.

Mr Townsend says the information will be posted on the www.recovercanterbury.co.nz website as soon as the decision is made to allow people in.