A Canterbury farmer who sent death threats to top ranking government officials and members of Parliament has lost an appeal against his conviction and sentence.

A burglar broke into homes by reaching through the cat-flap and unlocking doors, a court was told today.

Christchurch schools are having to cope with a growing number of cases of anti-social behaviour in the classroom.

Canterbury has a nearly one-in-four chance of another massive earthquake in the next year.

Rhea Mae Sumalpong, 25, from the Philippines, sent a desperate plea for help to her mother in Australia as she was trapped in rubble in the CTV building after the February 22 earthquake.

It is hoped that any new building that replaces Lyttelton's Timeball Station can incorporate the iconic building's mechanism.

Prime Minister John Key is set to raise concerns with the Earthquake Commission over allegations it owes Canterbury tradesmen hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Demolition companies working in the centre of Christchurch have dismissed suggestions crews should be working seven days a week.

An international disaster recovery expert says demolition teams should be working seven days a week.

Christchurch residents are being warned about bogus tradespeople casing properties to later burgle.

Frustrated families of the Pike River dead are looking to take over responsibility for recovering the bodies of their loved ones and are putting together a team of experienced mine rescue experts to create a credible plan.

Health training funds are being redirected into mental health.

This week, Auckland councillors put our money where the mayor's mouth has loudly been.

The latest Chinese bid for the Crafar dairy farms is a key test for new rules on foreign ownership, reports Karyn Scherer

Christchurch rebuild, leaky-home repairs will be pressure points.