Five journalists have had their accreditation removed for attempting to breach the Christchurch emergency cordons in place within the CBD, Civil Defence controller Steve Brazier says.

"If people attempt to breach the cordons they will be removed or arrested.

"We've got better things to do,'' he said.

The Japanese reporter was kicked out of the Christchurch city centre today after getting ''physically aggressive'' towards a police commander, it was reported earlier.

The TV reporter was escorted from the area by police around the art gallery today after his accreditation was removed.

Last night, the reporter "got physically aggressive" towards Christchurch police commander Superintendent Dave Cliff and had to be restrained, a police spokesman said.

Concerns have been raised about media behaviour in Christchurch.

Last week, a Japanese reporter was arrested after trying to gain access to the Christchurch Hospital.

Concerns were also raised during the two-minute silence when some photographers continued to take pictures, their camera clicking incessantly as New Zealanders took a moment to remember the fallen.

A Christchurch City Council spokesman said a number of journalists have also been trying to get around the cordon to gain access to restricted areas of the city.

There are about 500 accredited media currently working in Christchurch.

Mayor Bob Parker urged members of the media to show restraint and respect for the officials.

- © Fairfax NZ News