His pained, bloodied and dirt-streaked face has become one of the defining human images of the Christchurch quake and has been published in media across the globe.

Search and rescue workers have begun work in preparation for removing bodies from under piles of rubble at the Christchurch Cathedral.

Bexley resident Jen O'Malley says Tuesday's devastating earthquake was the last straw and she can not imagine living in the area again.

A law change will need to take place in order for this year's census to be cancelled, Statistics New Zealand says.

A substantial petrol price rise is expected to increase the cost of living for earthquake-hit Christchurch residents in the coming days.

Victim Support volunteers, many who have themselves lost homes, are working round the clock in Christchurch to provide support to a city which has "lost its heart" after Tuesday's devastating earthquake.

Buildings damaged in Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch are being made more unstable by rain falling in the city today, police say.

The March 8 Census has been cancelled following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson says.

The devastation from Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch needs to be seen to be comprehended and rescue workers are doing an "outstanding job", Civil Defence Minister John Carter says.

A bride-to-be huddled in the ruins of her office had no idea her fiance was frantically searching for her outside.

When Jilly Murphy rushed back into a shop after the earthquake, she had one thing on her mind - her family.

A medical specialist used tradesmen's tools to amputate the legs of an earthquake victim.

Five key stories from this morning's coverage of the Christchurch earthquake.

Christchurch earthquake - reaction, thoughts, pictures from social media in New Zealand and around the world.

Fifty per cent of Christchurch now has a basic mains water supply following Tuesday's earthquake but people should still conserve water.

Television bosses were in complex talks with advertisers yesterday to bring commercials back into their news schedules.

"I have lost a leg. They had to cut it off to save me." Those were the first words rescued student Kento Okuda said to his mother.

A woman found beneath the rubble of a building held her dead brother's hand as she cried out for help from under the debris - and her heart-wrenching cries prompted rescuers to carry on digging until they freed him.

Baxtor Gowland was born two weeks after the September earthquake in Christchurch. Yesterday, he was named the youngest victim of Tuesday's quake.

More than 200 elderly patients have been evacuated from rest homes damaged in the earthquake.