Ann Bodkin kept up hope during her 26 hours entombed in the PGC building by thinking over and over 'I'm alive. I'm okay'.

Amid the tragedy and debris it feels harsh to talk about economics and daunting to talk about getting Christchurch back to business.

The doctors who amputated a man's legs to save him from almost certain death worked in the dark.

Looking at what remains of the six-storey building I can't believe my eyes as the first survivor is pulled out.

Christchurch lived in its heritage - grand stone buildings, many of them now shattered by the largest ground shake recorded in NZ.

Central Christchurch is facing financial oblivion, a local business leader says.

Overwhelming offers of help for Christchurch are impeding the systems of non-government organisations trying to help there, says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

A Christchurch man whose house was condemned after Tuesday's earthquake says it's fortunate no one was home at the time.

An Australian army field hospital is set to be turned into a community health centre as authorities work to prevent a medical crisis in Christchurch.

Misery in the form of illness struck earthquake-ravaged Christchurch this afternoon, with the closure of one of the three welfare centres in the city.

The level of liquefaction after Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude aftershock dwarfs the amount caused by the original earthquake that hit Christchurch in September, Mayor Bob Parker says.

Search and rescue workers have begun work in preparation for removing bodies from under piles of rubble at the Christchurch Cathedral.

Bexley resident Jen O'Malley says Tuesday's devastating earthquake was the last straw and she can not imagine living in the area again.

A law change will need to take place in order for this year's census to be cancelled, Statistics New Zealand says.

A substantial petrol price rise is expected to increase the cost of living for earthquake-hit Christchurch residents in the coming days.

Victim Support volunteers, many who have themselves lost homes, are working round the clock in Christchurch to provide support to a city which has "lost its heart" after Tuesday's devastating earthquake.

Christchurch City Council worker Joseph Tehau Pohio was trying to help someone else when he was hit by falling debris shortly after the magnitude 6.3 earthquake.

Buildings damaged in Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch are being made more unstable by rain falling in the city today, police say.

Looting and scams in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch has sparked anger and warnings from police.

Food writer Leanne Kitchen has had an enviable career, including writing a new cookbook, which took her to delicious Turkish nooks and crannies.