Demolition work in central Christchurch's red zone resumed on Wednesday, after being closed to contractors since Monday because of the snow and ice.
Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority demolition manager Warwick Isaacs says it was frustrating having to stop work, but safety took priority.
[image:2769:half:right]Meanwhile, all main arterial roads in Christchurch have been cleared and most South Island state highways have reopened.
However, the Arthurs and Porters mountain passes remain closed and will be reassessed on Thursday morning.
All courts in the South Island reopened today, except for Christchurch District Court, which has no criminal courts operating until Thursday.
Health services in Canterbury are also expected to return to normal on Thursday, after disruptions this week to surgeries and patient appointments.
Helping hand to Meals on Wheels
Dozens of volunteers turned out to help Meals on Wheels deliver hot lunches to more than 700 people in Christchurch on Wednesday.
Treacherous driving conditions this week have meant the usual small pool of volunteers was unable to deliver all the meals.
But on Wednesday more than 40 people with 4WD vehicles arrived at the Hillmorton Hospital kitchen to help deliver the hot meals.
The Red Cross, which coordinates the delivery of meals, is encouraging volunteers to participate again on Thursday, as hundreds more meals will need to go out.
