Without special legislation, the rebuilding effort could be hampered after the state of emergency is lifted, says John Key.

Veteran New Zealand race driver Greg Murphy has thrown his weight behind the Christchurch earthquake appeal.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says he feels "repulsed" by members of a family evicted from a welfare centre under the Trespassing Act.

Canterbury homeowners can expect to get payouts for contents damage starting this week.

Everyone in Canterbury has been touched by the earthquake devastation - and TV personalities and sports stars are no exception.

A coastal town's war memorial has partially crumbled in the Canterbury earthquake, leaving descendants of dead soldiers shattered.

The man who came closest to be killed in last weekend's devastating Canterbury earthquake remains in a serious condition in Christchurch Hospital.

Susan Dent's garden has become soiled with sewage and she may never be able to grow veges in her yard again.

Canterbury tourism officials say the best way people can help is to keep bookings they have made and continue visiting the region.

Business owners in central Christchurch are anxious about their shops being sealed away from customers behind cordons a week after the earthquake.

Cabinet ministers know they have to work miracles in the limited window they have before those affected by the quake tire of their plight and the Government becomes the target of blame for things not being fixed

Children try to come to terms with the fear as they return to school.

Evert and Maruschke Barnard with their daughter Dianthe, who was born during the earthquake. Photo / Alan Gibson

Bart Visscher, co-founder of software company Emendo, has had his business tested on several fronts by the Canterbury earthquake.