Christchurch mayor Bob Parker says it's "appalling" some landlords are reportedly hiking rents in the wake of last month's big earthquake.

There were many unsung heroes during and after the Christchurch earthquake; the neighbour who shared food; strangers who offered lifts and a smile; the volunteer who knew where the nearest water supply was.

NZX head Mark Weldon is to head the Government's earthquake appeal, raising speculation that he may political aspirations.

The Government will not immediately release engineering reports on whether AMI Stadium in Christchurch can be used for Rugby World Cup games.

Police have confirmed the identities of a further eight people who died in the Christchurch earthquake, while the head of the NZ stock exchange has been picked to lead a global fundraising effort aimed at rebuilding Christchurch.

Vulnerable Christchurch residents are anxiously awaiting information on whether their neighbourhood may need to be abandoned.

Prince William is set to make a special visit to New Zealand to commemorate those killed in the Christchurch earthquake and the Pike River Mine disaster, but fiancee Kate Middleton will not be joining him.

Insurance companies all but stopped writing new cover in Christchurch in the wake of the February 22 earthquake.

Housing Minister Phil Heatley says he does not want temporary housing ghettos to spring up in quake-stricken Christchurch.

The cost of rebuilding Christchurch could exceed Treasury predictions by $5 billion, a Fletcher Building executive has estimated.

While Lyttelton residents are lamenting the loss of 135 years of history as a demolition order hangs over their town's historic Timeball Station, one woman is mourning the loss of her home.