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Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has announced the re-zoning of a further 255 residential orange zone properties, 42 to green, which means their owners can begin the process of repairing or rebuilding, and 213 to red, which means the properties will be subject to Government offers of purchase.

Mr Brownlee says today’s zoning decisions have been among the most challenging of the over 10,000 flat land properties originally zoned orange, given the complex nature of the damage, which varies from street to street.

The release today of the technical report into the collapse of the CTV building in Christchurch will be a tough day for the friends and families of those who lost their lives in the building, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson said today.

"The report provides insight into why the building collapsed on 22 February. It also raises some serious questions about the structural integrity of the building," Mr Brownlee said.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee is calling for people to take care and drive safely this long weekend.

"Many New Zealanders will want to take advantage of this long weekend and head away. It's important to drive to the conditions, check vehicles before setting off, use patience, and avoid taking risks," says Mr Brownlee.

“Police will be lowering speed tolerances for the month, sending a very clear message that unsafe speeds are not acceptable. I urge people to heed this message.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has today announced the extension of the Government’s buy-out offer to owners of rest homes and retirement villages in Christchurch’s residential red zone.

Mr Brownlee said he was very pleased to be able to make the announcement, as the issue had caused understandable concern to the residents affected.

"This complex matter has been a focus for the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority’s policy team for a number of months, so it's great news that a solution has been found.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says today's commencement of construction on the first multi-level building in Christchurch’s CBD since the February 22 earthquake is an important milestone.

"Moments like this need to be recognised," Mr Brownlee said.

"Today's commencement of construction demonstrates a belief in the future of the central city by the building’s owners, and by the tenants they have secured to occupy the building.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee has expressed his condolences on behalf of the Government to the families and loved ones of the 11 people who lost their lives in a hot air ballooning tragedy near Carterton in the Wairarapa this morning.

“We are deeply sorry to learn of this tragic accident and our hearts go out to those who are now mourning the loss of life,” Mr Brownlee said.

“The accident will be thoroughly investigated by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission, the Civil Aviation Authority and Police on behalf of the Coroner.”

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee says the high holiday road toll is disappointing and it confirms the need to remain vigilant in efforts to improve safety on our roads.

18 people died on the roads during the official holiday driving period which ran from 4pm on December 23 to 6am this morning.

During the same period last year 12 people were killed, while in 2009/10 13 people died.

“This is a disappointing result. Every fatality and serious injury is a tragedy for the families and loved ones of those involved,” Mr Brownlee says.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee and Police Minister Anne Tolley say the record low 2011 road toll of 284 is encouraging but they are urging road users to remain vigilant in keeping the road toll down.

The provisional 2011 toll compares with 375 in 2010, 384 in 2009 and 366 in 2008. The last time the road toll was below 300 was in 1952 when 272 people died.

The Ministers say that the current holiday road toll illustrates why there is no room for complacency.