Migrant communities in Auckland are opening not only their wallets but also their homes to earthquake victims.

The cordoned-off area of central Christchurch may be cut back within the next four days, says a local business leader.

The single ring of a bell echoed through the Holy Trinity Cathedral, signalling the moment the earthquake struck.

Search teams in the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Forsyth Barr, CTV and PGC buildings are facing a variety of challenges in trying to secure the buildings.

Petrol and diesel prices are on the up - but not in Christchurch.

For hundreds of grim and grimy Cantabrians one simple pleasure was finally accessible today - a shower to at least wash away some of the discomfort a week after an earthquake turned their lives upside down.

Hundreds of mourners have farewelled young father Jaime Gilbert and paid tribute to the selfless actions of two men who tried to save him.

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

Earthquake victims Joe Pohio and Jaime Gilbert were today farewelled at funeral services in Kaiapoi and Christchurch.

A labour of love is taking shape as the employees of Christchurch earthquake victim Owen Wright craft his coffin from the timbers he loved to turn.

The Govt is not ruling out changes to Working for Families or student loans as it considers how to foot the bill for Christchurch's recovery.

New Zealanders have paid tribute to the victims of the Christchurch earthquake with two minutes' silence marking the moment the disaster struck last week.

Former league internationals from both sides of the Tasman will take the field next week to raise funds for victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

People all around New Zealand observed two minutes silence at 12.51pm today, exactly one week after the 6.3-magnitude quake hit Christchurch.

Last week's 6.3 magnitude earthquake unearthed a time capsule under the toppled statue of one of Canterbury's founding fathers, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said today.

The death toll from the Christchurch earthquake is likely to be about 240, police say.

The family of missing Canterbury Television (CTV) personality Donna Manning are "holding onto hope" that she will be returned to them.

Mr Parkin was working at the Southern Ink Tattoo studio on Colombo St when last week's quake struck. His apprentice Matti McEachen was killed as the building collapsed and another staffer, Bonnie Singh, managed to crawl to safety with