Civic officials in the earthquake-ravaged Christchurch region of New Zealand have delayed plans to lift a state of emergency.
Local mayors say the state of emergency needs to remain in place until at least noon tomorrow (local time).
They say more time is needed to determine the state of damaged buildings and how best to protect them and the public.
Work has been slowed by continual aftershocks since the magnitude-7.0 quake 11 days ago, although locals say the tremors are becoming less frequent.
Parliament has given the government power to override existing laws in a bid to speed up reconstruction in the area.
