The Army is halfway through the process of securing earthquake damaged buildings within the cordoned off area of Christchurch's central business district.
Many businesses with the CBD have been left vulnerable following the devastating earthquake on 22 February and many owners are still unable to get back in to remove stock or equipment.
A team of 30 Army tradespeople is working through the central city securing broken windows and walls with plywood, removing obvious hazards and attaching razor wire to any gaps.
Lieutenant Michael Clulow says where possible, existing lock and keys are used, but when these are not available new padlocks are attached.
The Army has divided the central city into 24 zones, of which 13 have been secured by Monday.
Lieutenant Clulow expects the work will be completed within three weeks.
