Images are starting to come out of Kaikoura where widespread damage and one death has occurred.

As New Zealand wakes up to reports of the series of earthquakes to have shaken the country overnight the rest of the world is also coming to grips with the news.

Scientists investigating the mechanics of the earthquake say it faulted in the same way the February 22, 2011, Christchurch Earthquake did.

A family who fled their New Brighton home with their disabled child have returned to find the property looted.

Newstalk ZB listeners share their stories of the night.

Scholarship exams have been cancelled, but NCEA exams can go ahead in schools if they are not earthquake damaged, NZQA says.

The earthquake in the early hours of this morning brought back memories of the September 2010 and February 2011 quakes for Donna Mills.

Christchurch residents have escaped the worst of the quake.

A Waiau local says roads around the epicentre of this morning's quake are blocked by massive landslides and deep cracks that stretch for miles.

Primary responsibility for civil defence emergency management at a local level rests with your local council.

There are casualties following this morning's quakes, acting Civil Defence minister Gerry Brownlee says.

More than one fault may be responsible for this morning's earthquakes.

The driver of the 4WD which got stuck in a North Canterbury river was breath-tested at the scene, and was over the limit, according to police.

A major medical marijuana trial is underway in New Zealand - testing the effects of a new cannabis gel on epilepsy patients.

This helicopter tour over the South Island was a star-studded affair.

Lotto players in Auckland, Paraparaumu, Nelson and Dunedin got a pleasant surprise tonight.

Thousands of punters turned out for Cup Day in Christchurch today.

The injured man has been taken to Christchurch Hospital

Christchurch man allegedly gave marijuana to the 13-year-old boys at his house so they would be stoned enough to sleep with him.

The majesty of the skies above Tekapo is captivating, writes Sarah Daniell.

Ellie Otineru learned she was pregnant with her third child two weeks after her partner's sudden death.

A passenger has described the dramatic scenes when a bomb threat was made against a plane from Palmerston North to Christchurch this afternoon.

Only five days into November, 10 people have already died on our roads, and police fear another 60 to 70 people could be killed before the end of the year.

A man who led police on a dangerous 50km rampage through roadblocks, road works, a golf course and private houses has been jailed for three years.

Christchurch police are being investigated for pouring hundreds of litres of booze into a drain.

Nestled in berry country, this sunny town is bursting with Edwardian elegance, discovers Elisabeth Easther.

Relief could be on the way.

Three men appeared in court today after a series of drug raids across Christchurch by police yesterday.

Cash, methamphetamine, vehicles, synthetic drugs and at least one firearm were seized following a major police bust in Christchurch.

Exhumation is a "very difficult and very unpleasant" process that is deeply upsetting for family members, the trial into whether the body of Jamie Pooley should be dug up has heard.