In Christchurch a special event is happening later this morning to bring life back to the residential red zone.
Red zone: The bumpy roads of Brooklands lead to empty cul de sacs and vacant land plots. Photo: RNZ / Georgina Stylianou
The area stretching either side of the Avon River has been vacant since the 2011 earthquakes which made the ground too unstable to rebuild on.
From 11am Sunday two groups would begin a walk along the river, one starting in the west and the other in the east, before meeting in the middle at Kerrs Reach.
The second annual Meet in the Middle event has been organised by groups including the Avon-Ōtākaro Network which wanted to see a permanent cycleway built along the river from the CBD to the sea.
Photo: RNZ / Dru Faulkner
It will include a free performance by local musician Tiki Taane from noon at Kerrs Reach.