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.

Chaos and cordons as evacuated locals try to find out how their homes survived the night.

As fire spread down the hills above his beloved historic Ohinetahi homestead and gardens, Sir Miles Warren wasn't going anywhere.

Prime Minister Bill English has scrapped his day's schedule to head to Christchurch instead.

Lianne Dalziel says rubberneckers aren't helping and people need to 'stay at a distance' from the fires.

In the midst of the raging inferno enveloping Christchurch's picturesque Port Hills, came a new life.

Civil Defence minister questions the emergency response to the Port Hills fires, which have destroyed five houses and caused hundreds to flee.

People, including Defence Force firefighters, and equipment is being deployed to help contain the wildfires.

Three investigations are underway into how a helicopter pilot and war hero died fighting a fire, as Army chief Major General Peter Kelly pays tribute.

Charges have been laid against a Timaru lumber yard in which a toddler died when a log fell on him last year.

Helicopters with monsoon buckets are back in the air today as more than 100 residents of a Christchurch seaside community were evacuated from an approaching blaze.

Four homes were evacuated, but residents have since returned to their homes.

With a fire scarred home behind them, a Christchurch couple contemplate how close they were to losing their home.

High winds to bring more misery to fire crews fighting bush blazes today, but no rain where it is needed.

The Airways Radar is also under threat from one of the two major bush fires burning near Christchurch.

A body has been discovered in North Hagley Park in Christchurch this morning.

Christchurch and Japanese academics are developing new drone technologies that would be able to locate people buried in wreckage following natural disasters.

In the past year this health board has agonised over its finances and where budgets should be boosted or cut - all behind closed doors.

The shallow, snaking, braided channels of Canterbury's Waimakariri River - and the heavily-developed pastureland around it - have been captured by a NASA satellite.

Scientists have ruled out any suggestion this morning's 5.2 quake was linked to the mass whale stranding at Farewell Spit.

Nobody appears to have been injured in a one-car crash near Twizel this afternoon.

Police investigations are ongoing following the discovery of a body in a shed fire in Hoon Hay yesterday morning.

Two brothers who shot 8-year old twin boys while testing a high-powered air rifle have been ordered to pay the children $500.

Woman denies Christmas Day murder.