Four sports and cultural venues in Christchurch, New Zealand, are to remain closed until 'at least' 15 March for a full assessment to be carried out following last month's earthquake.

Preliminary investigations undertaken by operator Vbase have already uncovered structural damage at the AMI Stadium and Christchurch Convention Centre. Christchurch Town Hall for Performing Arts also sustained structural damage following the earthquake, with a more detailed probe of each venue now required.

Meanwhile, CBS Canterbury Arena was found to have suffered minor damage and has been repaired in order for the venue to be used for Civil Defence purposes. AMI Stadium is scheduled to host a number of Rugby World Cup games later this year but has suffered "repairable structural damage" and damage to fixtures and fittings.

A spokesperson for Vbase said: "We will update media when we have new information and will make no further comment until then."