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

Residents allowed into parts of Christchurch's central business district cordon today are being warned not to enter yellow-stickered buildings.

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.

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.

Surrounded by her children in the garage of their Hampshire St home in the Christchurch suburb of Aranui, Mafutaga Manuleleua still feels unloved.

The thoughts of everyone should be with the families of the Christchurch earthquake victims following the change in the search focus today to recovering bodies, says an emotional mayor, Bob Parker.

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.

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.

It could be weeks, possibly longer, before Rugby World Cup organisers are able to make a decision.

Damaged Cathedral becomes a rallying point for the people of a hurt and devastated city.

There are many ways that you can help in the wake of yesterday's devastating Christchurch earthquake.

It's obvious that mere amateurism will not help our second-largest city up on its feet this time.

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.