John Key says a claim that 10,000 houses would have to be abandoned in Christchurch was not based on official advice.

The playing surface is rippled and bulging with patches of sludge. Concrete structures are cracked and dislodged.

Police have released the names of 13 more people who died in the February 22 Christchurch earthquake, including the partner and five-week-old baby of a man who is lying injured in Dunedin Hospital.

Prime Minister John Key has conceded he received no official advice that some areas of quake-stricken Christchurch may need to be abandoned.

It was a lot more enjoyable during playtime at Christchurch's Wharenui School today than a fortnight ago, when students and teachers were huddled on the grass as the earth shuddered beneath them.

Police have relented and allowed bail for a young man with autism who became "the face of looting" in the days after the February 22 quake.

The February 22 earthquake has left a mark on everyone in Christchurch - and for many, quite literally.

Businesses and residents may be able to retrieve important belongings from earthquake-damaged areas of Christchurch's CBD from next week.

The Government will have initial reports on whether AMI Stadium in Christchurch could be used for Rugby World Cup games by the end of the week.

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.

The land in some parts of Christchurch is so badly damaged entire streets and even neighbourhoods may be abandoned completely. Early indications suggest as many as 10,000 houses will have to be demolished.

The men who led the escape from the Hotel Grand Chancellor smashed through doors, tip-toed down crumbling staircases, and considered abseiling from the 23rd floor.

A Chinese businessman has donated $100,000 to the Christchurch earthquake appeal after reading about the numerous Chinese people killed or missing.