Countries around the world should aspire to be as prepared as New Zealand for massive natural disasters like the Christchurch earthquake.

The biggest names in Kiwi music are lining up to star in a benefit concert for earthquake-struck Cantabrians.

It can be hard to keep perspective when an incident as devastating as the Christchurch earthquake occurs.

Tracking today's events as they happen on day 12 of the Christchurch earthquake disaster.

Student volunteers who helped in the earthquake clean-up have been rewarded with tickets to a sold-out Metallica gig.

The states of emergency put in place after the Canterbury earthquake were this morning extended until midday Thursday.

A man seriously injured by a falling chimney in the Christchurch earthquake thanks his rescuers from hospital.

Richie McCaw was in Kaiapoi yesterday filming an advertisement to help earthquake victims.

The Government has taken on sweeping powers to rebuild Christchurch after the earthquake.

Twenty-three people have reportedly been evicted from quake-damaged council flats without warning.

Tracking today's events as they happen on day 11 of the Christchurch earthquake disaster.

Police doing post-quake patrols today came across a man mixing up chemicals to make methamphetamine.

Geotechnology engineers are assessing damage to Christchurch land and are expected to file their reports next week.

A man seriously injured when a chimney fell on him during the Canterbury earthquake has thanked his wife and "heroic neighbours" for saving his life.

Long diversions remain in place for heavy vehicles travelling on State Highway One south of Kaikoura, after a major slip on Friday night.

SH1 north of Christchurch remains closed following a major slip near Kaikoura on Friday night.

Consultancy Planit Associates says the Christchurch earthquake requires a rethink in the way development and urban growth are managed.