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

Politicians swooped into earthquake-ravaged Christchurch last night, visiting a shelter that descended into chaos at John Key's visit.

Three people are dead following a collision between a car and a ute in the Waikato tonight.

Workers worried about loss of pay following Saturday's earthquake could have a case for the Employment Relations Authority if their employer refuses to pay them.

Rebuilding up to 100,000 damaged and destroyed homes in quake-hit Canterbury could take years, a building executive says.

All Whites captain Ryan Nelsen has confirmed his availability for New Zealand's two home soccer internationals next month.

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

New Zealand's fourth straight women's World Cup win this morning was built around composure, veteran Anna Richards said.

New Zealand sailor Andrew Murdoch snatched bronze at the Laser world championship off Hayling Island, England, today.

Safety first is the message authorities want to convey as many displaced locals face a second night away from their homes.

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

New Zealand's Caroline Powell and mount Lenamore lead the field at Burghley after the Cross Country stage.