Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says the thoughts of his quake-stricken city are with Japan following Friday's magnitude 9.0 earthquake which devastated much of the country and left thousands dead.

The excuses were wildly different, but the results were very much the same: any offending involving Christchurch's earthquake-damaged buildings or cordons will bring instant jail time.

Prime Minister John Key says there will be a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the collapse of many of Christchurch's inner city buildings during the February 22 earthquake, six more victims of which have been named.

All Black captain Richie McCaw and two of the Crusaders horsemen have led a guard of honour to farewell earthquake victim and Crusaders boardmember Philip McDonald.

The Chinese Embassy has asked the Government to give special compensation to Chinese families who lost children in last month's Christchurch earthquake.

Supporting tourism in Canterbury will help Christchurch get through bad times.

Most of the firefighters who have worked day and night since the quake have no homes to return to.

Thousands are expected to return to Christchurch as schools reopen.

Siwen Huo, 28, from China was described as being like a daughter to the Allerby family whom she stayed with when she arrived in New Zealand in 2002.

Some of our most experienced wine entrepreneurs are among New Zealand's richest people.

Manning teens have lost mother and an aunt and home has been burgled - all in less than three weeks

Donna Merrie Manning, 43, loved seeing people step outside their comfort zone and succeed.

Police have this evening named six more people who died in last month's Canterbury earthquake, taking the total names released to 103.

A decision on the safest way to demolish the Hotel Grand Chancellor in central Christchurch is expected in the next few days.

Ivy Jane Cabunilas, 33, of the Philippines, has been confirmed as a victim of the earthquake.

Sisi Xin, 28, from China, was confirmed as a victim of the earthquake by police on March 10, 2011.

A proposed public walk through the earthquake-devastated Christchurch city centre has been called off due to safety concerns.

Police have this afternoon named 14 more people who died in last month's Canterbury earthquake, bringing the total number of victims police have named to 97. The official death toll remains at 166.

Hundreds of refugees who fled their wartorn countries only to be caught up in the Christchurch earthquake are determined to return to Canterbury.

Haruki Hyakuman, 27, was studying at the King's English language school in the CTV building so he could become a nurse.

Former Black Stick Amanda Hooper was an exceptionally talented player whose work ethic and warmth towards her teammates made her second to none, according to former Black Sticks coach Ian Rutledge.