Police in Christchurch are advising residents not to be alarmed if they see specialist armed units practising in the city this week.
The police national special tactics group will be training in residential red zone areas and industrial locations during the week.
The exercises will include the use of explosives and firearms and are part of a national training camp from 12-16 August.
Exercises will also be held at industrial sites in Harewood and Hornby, and the police range in McLeans Island.
Inspector Steve Mather said the training will focus on hostage rescue operations by making forced entry into a range of domestic housing and commercial buildings.
Mr Mather said the large number of vacant buildings following recent earthquakes provides a unique training opportunity.
