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.

A young bride-to-be who narrowly escaped tragedy in the PGC building in Tuesday's deadly earthquake has tied the knot today.

His pained, bloodied and dirt-streaked face has become one of the defining human images of the Christchurch quake and has been published in media across the globe.

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.

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.

The March 8 Census has been cancelled following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson says.

The devastation from Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch needs to be seen to be comprehended and rescue workers are doing an "outstanding job", Civil Defence Minister John Carter says.

A medical specialist used tradesmen's tools to amputate the legs of an earthquake victim.

Fifty per cent of Christchurch now has a basic mains water supply following Tuesday's earthquake but people should still conserve water.

Rescuers are still looking for survivors in the rubble from Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, but the chance of more live rescues is becoming "unlikely", Civil Defence Minister John Carter says.

Owen McKenna is believed to have been shopping when debris fell on his car.

Scott William Emerson Lucy was looking forward to becoming a husband and starting a family with his fiancee, Gemma Shefford.