Police have today confirmed the identities of a further four people who died in the Christchurch earthquake.

They are:

Heather Marilyn MEADOWS, 66 (female), of Christchurch

Noriko OTSUBO, 41 (female), of Japan

Brian Warrington TAYLOR, 66 (male), of Christchurch

Ayako YAMAGUCHI, 30 (female), of Japan

This brings the total number of names released to 159.

ENDS