NEWS RELEASE
22 July 2013

Wellington quake – release 4 – 6.20am Monday

Mayor warns: take care and expect disruption - media conference at 9am

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown strongly warns people to watch out for damage and expect disruption today as the city deals with the aftermath of last night’s quake.

The Mayor, City Council managers and representatives of other interested organisations will also brief media at 9am today to give an update on the response to the quake.

The briefing is at the Wellington Region Emergency Management Office, 2 Turnbull Street, Thorndon (off Mulgrave Street, opposite Thorndon New World supermarket).

Mayor Wade-Brown says the city has come through the big quake very well. On the whole, most infrastructure and most buildings have been unaffected – but we will obviously have engineers and experts double-checking the condition of infrastructure after daybreak.”

Main points from overnight:
• The morning ‘rush hour’ rail service is not operating. KiwiRail engineers have to check track infrastructure for damage.
• We are still strongly advising people to stay out of the CBD at least till midday – to allow engineers and building owners to check for damage.
• Wellington City bus services are operating normally.
• Parts of Featherston Street, Wakefield Street and Bolton Street are closed due to suspected damage to buildings in the area.

Mayor Wade-Brown strongly advises Wellingtonians to take the time to check on their neighbours and check on their houses and properties.

“It is also a prime opportunity for people to check their emergency kits – and also update their family emergency plans.”

She advises people to listen to the media or check media websites, or consult the WREMOnz Facebook page or www.Wellington.govt.nz

ENDS

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