Parts of central Christchurch were cordoned off after a series of quakes damaged buildings today.

No-one was injured but at least 20 buildings in the city's centre were damaged by the temblor, the latest of hundreds of aftershocks since a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch on September 4.

The earthquakes, though, have failed to deter 120 media applications from 13 overseas countries applying to attend the event, which is due to start on January 21.

Fiona Pickering, Paralympics New Zealand chief executive and chair of the Organising Committee, said she was delighted with the level of media support for the event.

"This figure of 120 does not include the full Sky TV production crew of approximately 50," she said.

Countries interested are as varied as Brazil, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, Australia, Colombia and the United Kingdom.

In what will be the last major gathering of international athletes before the London 2012 Paralympic Games, 1,055 athletes from 79 countries have entered, including a nine-strong team from New Zealand.


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