Latest from Natural Disasters

Christchurch earthquake victim: 'I was pinned to the ground'

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.

Demand up for Christchurch rentals

Big surge in insurance inquiries after Christchurch earthquake

Insurers report a surge in inquiries prompted by homeowners' fears they may not be properly covered if a Christchurch-style earthquake hits.

Long diversions around Kaikoura slip

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

<i>Planit Associates</i>: Get the CBD back up and running

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

<i>Hamish Keith</i>: After disaster comes opportunity

Hamish Keith is an arts and social commentator.

High-tech aid for helpers

Political rivals unite to fast-track Christchurch earthquake law

The Govt has won political support for emergency earthquake relief legislation that will bypass existing laws to speed up rebuilding in Canterbury.

Cash for Christchurch earthquake homeless as gifts flood in

Canterbury earthquake: Hotels slash room rates

Several Christchurch hotels have slashed room rates in the wake of Christchurch's "horrendous" magnitude 7.1 quake, with one hotel chief saying everybody needed to "chip in".

Earthquake: E. Coli found in Kaiapoi water sample

E. Coli has been found in water from Kaiapoi, reinforcing the need for residents to boil their water after last week's earthquake.

Govt earthquake bill unclear - Brownlee

The Govt says it will not know how big its bill for the Canterbury earthquake will be until its Recovery Commission has drafted a recovery plan.

Weather Watch: 'Earthquake lightning'

Canterbury's missing pets

In a disaster, cats head for the hills, but dogs stick around, according to SPCA figures out today.

Earthquake looter admits break-in

A looter is being held in custody after admitting breaking into a house damaged in the earthquake.

Governor-General tours earthquake zone

The Governor-General has expressed his shock over the devastation after last Saturday's 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Canterbury.

Christchurch schools open after earthquake

Most Canterbury schools today reopened after the September 4 magnitude 7.1 earthquake, but aftershocks continue.

Rare kiwi hatches