Police release more names

Police have released the names of seven more people confirmed dead following the Christchurch earthquake. They are:

• Joan Dorothy WIELD, 76
• Graham WIELD, 77
• Matthew Stuart McEACHEN, 25
• Neil Glyn STOCKER, 58
• Haruthaya LUANGSURAPEESAKUL, 32, of Thailand
• Scott William Emerson LUCY, 38
• Dr Maysoon Mahdi ABBAS, 61

The total number of confirmed dead is 163.

Superintendent Sam Hoyle says high visibility patrols have continued, with nearly a hundred staff out last night in the eastern suburbs of the city.

He says it is important that people in Christchurch know normal police work is continuing as usual, and people should contact police if they need to.

Superintendent Hoyle says a sign that things are starting to return to normal was highlighted by the arrest of ten drunk drivers overnight.