Peter Dunne has echoed calls from the public to strip Destiny Church of its tax-exempt status.

It's critical shellfish and rock lobsters in Kaikoura's new intertidal zone are protected, MPI says.

It is too soon to say how the earthquake recovery costs will impact on any tax-cut plans by National, says the Finance Minister.

They're relocating paua by the tonne. About 40 tonnes were expected to have been cut free from the rocks along the Kaikoura coastline by this afternoon.

A huge landslide has filled a valley in the ranges of quake-stricken Kaikoura.

Nelson plasterer's bright idea sees plane land in quake-torn area laden with KFC, McDonald's burgers and pizza.

Water flooded 140m inland south of Kaikoura, damaging one home at Little Pigeon Bay.

The Army aid convoy foiled in its attempt to reach cut-off Kaikoura by the Inland Road yesterday is making another go today.

Red Cross member Kath Cosgrove said Kaikpura locals are starting to break under the stress following Monday's 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

Stranded tourists are drinking and partying through the night causing grief for locals, says MP.

More homes have been evacuated in Kaikoura after a potential landslide risk was detected.

Lying on the ground next to Kaikoura Highschool's gymnasium wall was a pile of fractured concret bricks.

"We are expecting a difficult crossing tomorrow so we're making sure everyone is well refreshed and rested."

The Defence Force has now evacuated more than 800 people from Kaikoura.

Warships from Australia, Canada and the United States have arrived in Kaikoura to help with disaster relief efforts.

Eight properties in Marlborough have been identified as being too badly damaged to be entered.

Whale Watch Kaikoura is overwhelmed by the support they have received following a temporary closure after Monday's quake.

New concerns that heavy rain could bring flooding to the east coast of the South Island.

An alternative inland route for ferry traffic has been established running from Picton to Christchurch, via Murchison and the Lewis Pass.

Power, water and road access is slowly being restored to earthquake-hit areas of the South Island as crews work around the clock.

Businesses in quake-hit areas will be paid to keep on staff for at least eight weeks, the Govt says.

Strong aftershocks continue.

A truck driver has described the inland road into Kaikoura as being like Russian roulette.

Kaikoura locals are beginning to join the exodus out of their quake ravaged settlement. With 1000 tourists successfully evacuated

Geologists find previously unknown faultlines surface after Monday's 7.8 quake.

Trapped between two slips and cut off from news of the outside world, traumatised evacuees from Kaikoura tell their stories.

Tourists and locals arrived in Christchurch after long night aboard Navy ship.

Fears today's storm will hamper clean-up efforts in regions devastated by this week's earthquake.

As Govt announces its relief package, Kaikoura businesses spell out what they need to survive.

Brits evacuated from the quake zone grateful to the people of Kaikoura.