The Supreme Court has heard that all 'red zones' in post-quake Christchurch are illegal and the Minister in charge, Gerry Brownlee, breached the law.

Christchurch red zoned homes Source: Breakfast

Quake outcasts lawyer Grant Cameron Source: 1 NEWS

A group known as the 'Quake Outcasts' won the right to a judicial review after the High Court found that the Government's offer to buy their properties was unlawful.

Nineteen plots of land are vacant, 24 have houses and two are for commercial use.

Lawyer Francis Cooke QC today told the court that many of his clients are poor and elderly, and in "deeply depressing circumstances".

He says that Earthquake Recovery Minister Mr Brownlee failed to properly consult with the community, and had an obligation under the law to ensure that people could recover from the quake.

But Mr Cooke says by introducing 'red zones' Mr Brownlee interfered with people's legal rights and therefore breached the rule of law.