A Local State of Emergency has been declared for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell made the announcement during a press briefing.

Mayor Phil Mauger made the declaration at 4pm due to the impact of the wet weather such as flooding, slips, landslide and falling trees, particularly on Banks Peninsula.

“We need to make sure we’re able to keep people safe by putting all of our resources into responding to any problems that arise and one of the best ways we can do this is by declaring a Local State of Emergency.”

“We expected the weather would ease, which hasn’t happened so declaring will mean we are prepared for anything that may happen overnight,” the Mayor said.

“The decision to include Christchurch was made as precautionary measure. High tide is expected at 7.41pm so declaring means we would have access to powers under the State of Emergency if they’re required.”