Statistics New Zealand has hit out at claims its quake-damaged headquarters could be demolished.

Peter Dunne has echoed calls from the public to strip Destiny Church of its tax-exempt status.

They've received so many food and water parcels, Ivan says he can't take a shower because it's filled with bottles.

They're relocating paua by the tonne. About 40 tonnes were expected to have been cut free from the rocks along the Kaikoura coastline by this afternoon.

This could be the perfect postcard of rural New Zealand ... but this rural idyll has become the Ground Zero of Monday's mammoth magnitude-7.8 earthquake.

Nelson plasterer's bright idea sees plane land in quake-torn area laden with KFC, McDonald's burgers and pizza.

The historic Hurunui Hotel has been red-stickered after Monday's quake but publican Sean Madden is confident it will be allowed to reopen soon.

Water flooded 140m inland south of Kaikoura, damaging one home at Little Pigeon Bay.

From today, people can get behind Red Cross' work to support communities affected by Monday's devastating earthquake by donating at

Cafe owners are calling for "business anew" as they hope numbers will soon return to normal in quake-stricken Kaikoura.

A person was critically injured in a truck crash south of Rakaia this morning.

Lying on the ground next to Kaikoura Highschool's gymnasium wall was a pile of fractured concret bricks.

"We are expecting a difficult crossing tomorrow so we're making sure everyone is well refreshed and rested."

The Defence Force has now evacuated more than 800 people from Kaikoura.

Kaikoura schools are in generally good shape and some may be able to open next week, according to the Ministry of Education.

A police attempt to reach the small North Canterbury township of Waiau by flight was abandoned today due to poor weather and low visibility. Planning

Eight properties in Marlborough have been identified as being too badly damaged to be entered.

Whale Watch Kaikoura is overwhelmed by the support they have received following a temporary closure after Monday's quake.

A truck driver has described the inland road into Kaikoura as being like Russian roulette.

Kaikoura locals are beginning to join the exodus out of their quake ravaged settlement. With 1000 tourists successfully evacuated

The military will today drop in on people cut off by this week's quake.

As Govt announces its relief package, Kaikoura businesses spell out what they need to survive.

Brits evacuated from the quake zone grateful to the people of Kaikoura.

The Government is being urged to fund an around-the-clock monitoring and warning system for earthquakes and tsunamis in New Zealand.

Comments by Destiny Church leader Bishop Brian Tamaki outrage rainbow community advocate and human rights commissioner.

Kaikoura's internationally famous "quake cows" are safe and sound and "back in business" today.

Prime Minister John Key has promised fast-track help to keep Kaikoura businesses on their feet.

Farmers in quake-battered North Canterbury are rallying together, pitching in for supplies, sharing gear, and helping out on damaged properties.

The change means aftershocks may be larger in magnitude for a longer period of time.

The PM and Kaikoura's mayor have dismissed Brain Tamaki's comments blaming the devastating earthquakes on "gays, murderers and sinners".