Live updates after 7.8 earthquake: More evacuations in Wellington

• The Reading Cinema carpark in Courtenay Central in Wellington faces "imminent risk of collapse"

• Road to Kaikoura 'very rough' following earthquakes

• Fed Farmers 'virtual farmy army' helpline offers assistance after earthquakes

• Military helicopters to fly over remote areas cut off by quakes

• Insurance expert has words of warning for quake homeowners

• The government has opened an 0800 helpline for people needing financial and other support following the earthquake. The Ministry of Social Development is running it and staff are authorised to grant civil defence payments for food, bedding, clothing, accommodation and loss of income.

The 0800 779 997 helpline will run seven days a week from 7am to 9pm until further notice.

Image 1 of 24: Inside the Waiau Lodge Hotel after the devastating 7.5 earthquake hit New Zealand overnight, causing widespread damage. Photo / Belinda Feek

• For yesterday's Live Blog click here.