A support group for people whose homes have suffered earthquake damage says it understands that people will receive letters informing them of the fate of their properties.
Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says work is progressing on the decision about which land needs to be abandoned, but he cannot say when it will be released.
Cancern spokesperson Leanne Curtis says it is starting to get a picture of how the information will be conveyed.
"What we understand is that it will probably come out in the form of a letter but that it will be followed up pretty quickly with community meetings and held in much smaller community meetings, rather than putting six or seven communities together."
Ms Curtis says the Government also needs to ensure sufficient counselling is available in the community when the decision is announced.
The Ministry of Social Development is working with faith-based groups to go door to door offering counselling services.
Cancern is a support group for those with earthquake-damaged homes.
