Latest from Kaikoura

Fears of flooding in quake-hit Kaikoura

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

Kaikoura emergency access road closed

The Kaikoura emergency access road has been closed to all vehicles. The road was previously open for emergency and critical support

Destiny Church petition tops 100k

A petition against Destiny Church's tax-free status is gaining momentum - with 102,000 signatures and climbing.

Ferry traffic pours through Murchison

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

Crews restoring power, water to quake-hit south

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

Support package for Kaikoura announced

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

Two more aftershocks hit

Strong aftershocks continue.

Crucial road to Kaikoura 'very rough'

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

Quake stories: Residents join exodus

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

PM promises fast-track help for Kaikoura

Prime Minister John Key has promised fast-track help to keep Kaikoura businesses on their feet.

Quake upgraded from 7.5 to 7.8 magnitude

The change means aftershocks may be larger in magnitude for a longer period of time.

Images of relief in Kaikoura

It was a day of rescuing travellers stranded in Kaikoura and reassuring those left behind as the PM dropped in to survey the scene in Kaikoura today.

Key calls Tamaki's comments 'madness'

The PM and Kaikoura's mayor have dismissed Brain Tamaki's comments blaming the devastating earthquakes on "gays, murderers and sinners".

Police urge extra care on Lewis Pass

West Coast police today advised motorists to take extra care when driving through the Lewis Pass and Maruia Valley on SH7 and SH65 as traffic numbers build up.

Post-earthquake advice for employers

Employers whose staff are struggling to cope following Monday's earthquake are being given advice on how to best support their employees.

Brian Tamaki blames sinners for quakes

Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki has blamed earthquakes on gays, sinners, and murderers.

Can animals sense earthquakes?

The latest earthquake again prompted reports of animals behaving strangely just before the main shock hit. What does science say?

A picture of devastation

New aerial photos show there is much work to be done after Monday's 7.8 quake.