The final red zone fences have been removed from the centre of Christchurch, and the Defence Force has been officially dismissed from its deployment in the city.
The NZDF was deployed in Christchurch in February 2011 and officially dismissed on 30 June 2013. Photo: RNZ
For the first time since February 2011, visitors were on Sunday able to walk around Cathedral Square and the only fences left in the city centre are around demolition or building sites.
The remaining 120 members of the Defence Force in Christchurch were also formally dismissed from their role in the city, which has been the force's longest ever domestic deployment.
The regular, reserve and civilian troops from the army, navy and air force were stood down after speeches in their honour by Prime Minister John Key, Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys Jones, and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.