The earthquake that struck Christchurch during lunch hour yesterday was an aftershock seismologists hoped would never come.

The Government was this afternoon waiting for details of deaths in Christchurch and a second emergency cabinet meeting will be held tonight.

New Zealand insurers face rate increases of more than 10 per cent for the renewal of their insurance this year, as Canterbury earthquake bill continues to mount.

A Govt package for displaced homeowners is the 'first really positive thing' since the Canterbury quake, a resident says.

Cantabrians forced out of their earthquake-damaged homes are set to get financial assistance and help finding accommodation from the Govt.

Gerry Brownlee has rejected claims he told Canterbury residents that selling their quake-damaged homes would be the best way to withdraw equity.

The bond forged at Gallipoli is now a dynamic partnership, say Julia Gillard and John Key.

Expat New Zealanders hit by Tropical Cyclone Yasi have joined a growing number of disaster victims denied recovery payments by the Australian Government.

In a rare moment of unity, Australia's political leaders joined to mourn the victims of a catastrophic summer.

Bushfire victim Paul Bosveld saw the remains of his home and said he was 'going to travel through life a bit lighter from now on'.