Church services have been held across the country for those whose churches have been destroyed and to pray for victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

The death toll has increased to 147, and with more than 50 people unaccounted for, it will be higher than 200, police said tonight.

Authorities in Nelson are working hard to accommodate fleeing Christchurch residents.

John Key today launched the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, a global fundraiser for the recovery effort in the city and the Canterbury region.

Christchurch's damage is on par with Haiti, says Helen Clark.

Relief workers from New Zealand and overseas are working tirelessly in Christchurch.

Christchurch teachers are being urged to stay away from the classroom for their own safety.

Effort are under way to help hundreds of international tennis players get home from Christchurch following last week's deadly earthquake.

Only a few customers would be left without power in the coming week with electricity having been restored to 82 percent of households, lines company Orion said today.

Prime Minister John Key has asked all New Zealanders to observe two minutes' silence from 12.51pm on Tuesday.

A round-up of the current situation in Christchurch as rescuers continue scouring the shattered city for survivors.

It could be weeks, possibly longer, before Rugby World Cup organisers are able to make a decision.