Latest from Ministry of Civil Defence

Canterbury earthquake bill may top $4 billion

The final bill for the Christchurch earthquake may reach $4 billion, almost double initial estimates, Treasury Secretary John Whitehead said afternoon.

<b>Map:</b> Track the Christchurch aftershocks

Aftershocks are continuing to hit Canterbury with one measuring 4.1 the latest in a series today that also included a 5.1.

Mayor: Christchurch coping 'amazingly well'

Mayor Bob Parker says Christchurch city is coping "amazingly well" with the continuing fall-out from Saturday morning's earthquake.

$2.4m for earthquake trauma counselling

The Government has set aside $2.4 million for trauma counselling for Christchurch earthquake victims, Paula Bennett says.

Earthquake state of emergency extended

The state of emergency in Christchurch has been extended a further seven days following an aftershock of 5.1 on the Richter scale this morning.

Map shows where to get help in Christchurch

An open source online map has been set up to help Cantabrians find help nearest to them.

Earthquake cash flows for Christchurch

Stricken homeowners and workers will start receiving compensation and emergency payouts within days as Christchurch's earthquake bill threatens to exceed $2bn.

Heavy rain forces road closures in North Island

Slips and surface flooding are causing havoc for motorists in the lower North Island as heavy rain and gale force winds sweep the region.

Appeals for funds for Canterbury earthquake

Christchurch earthquake 'inevitable' - scientist

Christchurch was "inevitably going to be brought to its knees" by an earthquake because of the nature of the ground it stands on, a scientist says.

Christchurch earthquake, <i>Day 2 updates</i>

Some residents in the earthquake zone may be without power until the end of the week, says lines company Orion.

Christchurch coming to terms with earthquake

"It's essentially a ghost town. You can see utter devastation," said Prime Minister John Key.

City awakes to billion-dollar aftershock

"It was like a giant had picked up our house and was just shaking it, shaking and shaking," said one resident.

Army called in as city goes into lockdown

A formal curfew is now officially in place in the Christchurch central business district until 7am and those who breach it may be arrested, say police.

Salvation Army launches quake appeal

Key praises local response to quake

NZ 'blessed' no one died - Civil Defence minister

Shaken residents say quake damage huge