When the Christchurch quake struck, Celia Hay thought she was covered. What she has since discovered is a warning to all business owners, reports Diana Clement.

Abandoned quake-damaged neighbourhoods in Christchurch are proving rich pickings for criminals, with burglars risking entry to unstable buildings.

The royal commission of inquiry hearings into the Canterbury earthquakes disaster closed today with the chairman giving a final acknowledgment to bereaved families.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee has backed down from comments he made about frustrated residents in damaged Christchurch homes and apologised.

A top engineer behind Christchurch's post-earthquake building assessments has explained the much-criticised inspection system..