John Key has met people "full of fear" over the fate of missing family members after Tuesday's Christchurch quake.

Free massages, hotel chocolate, coffee and music were all part of the mix on the sports field at Lyttelton Primary School, an area which is affectionately known as "the grassy" by residents in the port town.

Police believe up to 22 bodies are trapped within the devastated Cathedral and its spire.

The official death toll for the Christchurch earthquake has risen to 145 this evening and is expected to increase. Police are gravely concerned for more than 200 missing people.

More than 600 patients have been admitted to Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department since the earthquake, including 164 with serious injuries.

'Do you think Ma has a cut on his head?' This from the little voice beside me, as I stared in incredulous horror at the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake.

Christchurch couple Hamish and Jess McBrearty have welcomed baby Joseph -almost two weeks overdue - into the world.

A stream of accused offenders arrested in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake appeared before a makeshift court in Christchurch today.

Air NZ is prolonging an offer of "compassionate" discount fares to and from Christchurch as Qantas faces criticism for sticking with normal pricing.

The 155-year-old Christchurch home is demolished as the family looks on.

Baby Baxtor Gowland will be farewelled on Monday in one of the first funerals for Christchurch quake victims.

Main Civil Defence updates following the Christchurch Earthquake

Christchurch's devastating earthquake has highlighted the benefits of micro-chipping your pets, says the SPCA.

Midwives are being sought in Christchurch as the number of premature births rises in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake.

"Entire blocks" of the Christchurch CBD will need to be demolished in the wake of the earthquake, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says.

There are many ways that you can help in the wake of yesterday's devastating Christchurch earthquake.