Latest from Ministry of Civil Defence

Helicopter nappy run to cut-off family

A Civil Defence helicopter made a nappy run to a remote part of Marlborough to bring supplies to a family with a young baby who have been cut off.

Live: More evacuations in capital

Questions are being asked about why key government buildings in Wellington have been impacted so badly, as concerns about more buildings emerge.

Evacuees relieved to reach safety

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

Stranger helps scooter rider flee 'tsunami'

84yo woman evacuates from retirement village - and is rescued by a motorist on a state highway. But where was everyone else?

Editorial: Tsunami advice must be improved

Ten months after the destructive February 2011 earthquake, an independent review of the Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management's response was undertaken.

Govt urged to fund 24/7 warning system

The Government is being urged to fund an around-the-clock monitoring and warning system for earthquakes and tsunamis in New Zealand.

A picture of devastation

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

Brownlee: Cost of quake to be billions

Acting Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says the cost of the earthquakes was still to emerge, but it would be in the billions of dollars.

Evacuation begins: Tourists ferried to ship

Civil Defence aims to rescue 600 stranded tourists from Kaikoura today.

Locals share earthquake experiences

Mark Fletcher was driving a 50-tonne truck towards Wellington when he found himself struggling to keep it in a straight line. "I

Marlborough: Damage widespread

Marlborough Mayor John Leggett says property damage appears to be more widely dispersed across the district than during the previous Seddon earthquakes.

Quake refugees hunker down in carpark

Many people evacuated from Kaiapoi due to the tsunami risk have hunkered down in their vehicles at the Pak n'Save carpark in Rangiora.

Wellington workers urged to stay home

People who usually work in central Wellington are strongly urged to stay home today following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Night of quakes: Useful links

Primary responsibility for civil defence emergency management at a local level rests with your local council.

Gerry Brownlee confirms casualties

There are casualties following this morning's quakes, acting Civil Defence minister Gerry Brownlee says.

Waiau feared worst hit in quake

Reports of damage are emerging and tsunami waves are starting to hit the east coast of New Zealand following a series of strong earthquakes around the country.

Kiwi to help train Syrian White Helmets

A Kiwi firefighter will help train Syria's 'White Helmet' civil defence workers who help in the aftermath of missile strikes and attacks.

Thunderstruck: 'Household was shaking'

A thunderstorm warning remains in place as violent electrical storms pounded Auckland overnight leaving many without power for hours.