The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) says it's ready to take over the responsibility of dealing with the aftermath of the disaster from Civil Defence.
The handover will also bring to an end the national state of emergency, which has been extended several times since the 6.3 earthquake struck Christchurch on 22 February.
CERA's acting chief executive, John Ombler, says a date has not yet been set for the takeover, but people will notice changes in the long term when it does.
Established by the Government to help oversee the rebuilding of Christchurch, the authority has been given wide powers to relax, suspend or extend laws and regulations in order to help the region recover.
It has been given a life of five years but will be reviewed annually.
