Two police officers have been accused of beating a young autistic man who became "the face of looting".

Robert Gilbert is paying tribute to his son Jaime, who died in the quake, by playing his part in a Repertory production of 'Hamlet'.

In the last two weeks, a highly trained group of once-abandoned dogs have proved invaluable in quake-torn Christchurch.

John Key says a claim that 10,000 houses would have to be abandoned in Christchurch was not based on official advice.

Police have released the names of 13 more people who died in the February 22 Christchurch earthquake, including the partner and five-week-old baby of a man who is lying injured in Dunedin Hospital.

Prime Minister John Key has conceded he received no official advice that some areas of quake-stricken Christchurch may need to be abandoned.

It was a lot more enjoyable during playtime at Christchurch's Wharenui School today than a fortnight ago, when students and teachers were huddled on the grass as the earth shuddered beneath them.

A Christchurch private investigator is warning businesses who have been disrupted by the earthquake to make sure they keep a close watch on their company information.

The shaking and devastation caused by the Christchurch earthquake have been measured in new radar imagery taken from space.

Police have relented and allowed bail for a young man with autism who became "the face of looting" in the days after the February 22 quake.

The February 22 earthquake has left a mark on everyone in Christchurch - and for many, quite literally.

I've always found ancient places of worship to be strangely moving. Probably it's because the dominant role of organised religion in bygone times meant the greatest talents of the age were harnessed to make these churches.

Engineering reports expected in coming days on Christchurch's earthquake-damaged AMI Stadium will dictate whether the city can play host to the Rugby World Cup.

The land in some parts of Christchurch is so badly damaged entire streets and even neighbourhoods may be abandoned completely. Early indications suggest as many as 10,000 houses will have to be demolished.

The men who led the escape from the Hotel Grand Chancellor smashed through doors, tip-toed down crumbling staircases, and considered abseiling from the 23rd floor.