Up to 2000 homes remain without power and 19 people have been injured from falling or slipping on ice or snow, including seven in Christchurch.

The worst snow fall in 15 years blanketed quake-hit Christchurch overnight with up to 30cm of snow covering the city.

Motorists are warned they may have to stay off Christchurch roads for up to two days, as snow and ice make driving conditions dangerous

Orion general manager commercial Rob Jamieson said only minor network damage had been found at this stage and crews were working as quickly as possible to restore power to the affected areas.

"We urge people in Christchurch and central Canterbury to please keep off the roads as much as possible today - our crews need to be able to get through on the roads safely and quickly to restore power."

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