I've always found ancient places of worship to be strangely moving. Probably it's because the dominant role of organised religion in bygone times meant the greatest talents of the age were harnessed to make these churches.

Missing people are still being reported nearly two weeks after the Christchurch earthquake, police say.

The national state of emergency imposed after last month's devastating earthquake will be extended today and is likely to be in place for some time, Prime Minister John Key says.

Tears flowing down his cheeks, burly Canterbury mechanic Keith Mackie was trying to explain that life's basic necessities have been forgotten.

Recovery efforts at the Canterbury TV building have officially ended, with no further positive identifications. Usar workers have sifted through every piece of debris and are satisfied nothing more can be done, the Fire Service says.

Residents of the eastern suburbs of Christchurch have been praised for the fortitude their community has shown following the February 22 earthquake.

Sometimes, the Christchurch mayoress confides, the Parkers go home to their darkened house to hide from their fears.

Christchurch was last night slammed by its biggest aftershock since the day of the devastating February 22 earthquake.

The names of six more people who police have confirmed died in the February 22 Christchurch earthquake have been released.

Search teams who were bracing for grim news had a "surreal" moment when they discovered no bodies buried in the ChristChurch Cathedral spire that had collapsed during last week's devastating earthquake.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says if he had his way, most of Christchurch's heritage buildings would be bowled tomorrow.

It's the only time I saw a policeman cry. Acts of kindness can do that.

Christchurch is "utterly" committed to holding its Rugby World Cup matches, and its citizens "will be far from pleased if they miss out on an event that has taken on a different meaning", Mayor Bob Parker said this morning.

More than a week after the devastating earthquake police are still treating the situation as a rescue mission.

John Key says his "strong preference" is to hold Rugby World Cup games in Christchurch, and says it's still possible if AMI Stadium is fit for matches.

Plenty of ideas and plans have been floated to try to ensure the Christchurch is rebuilt. Here are 10 proposals doing the rounds.

The owners of the Canterbury Television (CTV) building are welcoming a government inquiry into why the building collapsed in the Christchurch quake.

Damage to historic sites an extra blow for grieving Christchurch.

Strong winds that were set to hit Christchurch this afternoon did not eventuate, but residents are warned that they should secure loose roofs and beware of the threat of falling masonry.