Sheep-grazing has been suggested as a viable means to maintain abandoned red zoned land in Christchurch.
A report to the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority, written by the planning and design company Boffa Miskell, has said sheep could be a low-cost option for controlling grass and weeds in some parts of the red-zone.
It said where Crown-owned red-zoned land is more isolated and less visible to neighbouring residential areas, sheep-grazing could be a cheap maintenance method.
The report said sheep could eat grass without causing damage to native or exotic plantings which have been established.
It has however ruled out the use of cattle or goats.
Spraying and mowing has also been suggested.
Houses in Christchurch red zone. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski