A group who lost their only children in the Christchurch quake feel failed by two Govts.

Experts fear homes on the devastated Port Hills fire may be at risk of a new threat.

The family of the helicopter pilot killed while fighting the Port Hills' fires have given him a final gift.

Despite the progress, there was still a high risk of flare-ups and forecast weather conditions may present challenges.

Christchurch's Bishop Victoria Mathews called an emergency media standup in Cathedral Square this afternoon to refute Gerry Brownlee's claims this week of a $25 million deal to restore the church.

The wife of the pilot and war hero killed when his helicopter crashed as he fought the Port Hills fires is "amazed" by the support for her family.

With temperatures expected to heat up this week, fire crews are racing against the clock to contain the Port Hills blaze and prevent any further loss.

Civil Defence is reminding the public that the Port Hills fire and surrounding zones are off limits to everyone, including recreational users.

Authorities working to contain the Port Hills fire are being helped by drizzle, which is forecast to turn to light rain this afternoon.

The Port Hills inferno was so powerful that it was spreading up to 160m every minute at it's peak, and water firefighters put on it evaporated.

Smoky smells in Port Hills' properties does not pose a serious threat to health, authorities say.

Port Hills homeowners have this afternoon been allowed to return to their smouldering homes that have burned to the ground.

Plans are under way to get stranded residents back home, but winds may yet pose a danger.

Daily and weekly doses effective, but not monthly.

Kiwis dig deep to support family of helicopter pilot killed fighting Christchurch's Port Hills fire.

Helicopters are getting ready to go up and give emergency workers an overview of any fresh destruction.

Tropical downpours are drenching the north of the North Island as thunderstorms loom over Northland, Auckland and Waikato.

Son reeling after family home containing all of late father's belongings razed.

Civil Defence's reports of houses destroyed by fire and evacuations over the past 24 hours have varied wildly.

A Christchurch couple who were told that their home was lost in the Port Hills blaze, just hours after finally insuring it, appear to have had a lucky escape.

The gorse, grass and pines on the Port Hills are ideal plants to fuel the wildfires sweeping through the area.

A photographer who surveyed the damage of the Port Hills fire from the air has shared the incredible images that show the devastation.

Port Hills fire updates: Amazing images show the extent of the damage from the air, and just how close it came to some properties.

The Canterbury DHB and the Asthma & Respiratory Foundation have issued warnings about smoke inhalation for those affected by the Port Hills fires.

Kiwis are showing their support for those affected by the Port Hills fire and the firefighters working to put it out by making a statement

The ongoing firefighting effort includes 15 helicopters and planes - the maximum number that can safely be in the air at any one time.

With a raging wild fire surrounding the Christchurch Adventure Park, the future is uncertain for the fledgling business.

As a white shape emerged through the smoke, a stressed Port Hills homeowner saw what he needed to see: his family home of 20 years had survived the fire. So far.

Contact the SPCA if you need a temporary home for a fire-evacuated pet

Cameraman says Sugarloaf seems to be the hottest part of the fire.