Unidentified victims of the Christchurch earthquake are set to be formally pronounced dead at an inquest.

Stressed-out Cantabrians have been squandering Red Cross cash handouts on poker machines.

More than 1000 Christchurch residents moved overseas in March.

When Christchurch man Nicholas Antonio McGregor was caught burgling a liquor store on the day of the 6.3 magnitude quake, he suggested the store manager just rely on his insurance to cover the losses.

Business leaders and celebrities hope a global telethon for the Christchurch earthquake will revitalise fundraising.