Search and rescue workers have begun work in preparation for removing bodies from under piles of rubble at the Christchurch Cathedral.

Bexley resident Jen O'Malley says Tuesday's devastating earthquake was the last straw and she can not imagine living in the area again.

A law change will need to take place in order for this year's census to be cancelled, Statistics New Zealand says.

A substantial petrol price rise is expected to increase the cost of living for earthquake-hit Christchurch residents in the coming days.

Victim Support volunteers, many who have themselves lost homes, are working round the clock in Christchurch to provide support to a city which has "lost its heart" after Tuesday's devastating earthquake.

Buildings damaged in Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch are being made more unstable by rain falling in the city today, police say.

Standard & Poor's Rating Services says the government is likely to be called on to fund claims from the Christchurch earthquake.

Army Engineers have established two water production facilities in Christchurch to support people effected by the earthquake.

If increased levies are needed to replenish Earthquake Commission funds then the Government would consider it, Prime Minister John Key says.

The March 8 Census has been cancelled following the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson says.

The devastation from Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch needs to be seen to be comprehended and rescue workers are doing an "outstanding job", Civil Defence Minister John Carter says.

We may imagine we're bullet-proof, but life's dangers are always lurking.

A bride-to-be huddled in the ruins of her office had no idea her fiance was frantically searching for her outside.

Five key stories from this morning's coverage of the Christchurch earthquake.

Christchurch earthquake - reaction, thoughts, pictures from social media in New Zealand and around the world.

Fifty per cent of Christchurch now has a basic mains water supply following Tuesday's earthquake but people should still conserve water.

Rescuers are still looking for survivors in the rubble from Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch, but the chance of more live rescues is becoming "unlikely", Civil Defence Minister John Carter says.

Television bosses were in complex talks with advertisers yesterday to bring commercials back into their news schedules.

In the minutes after Tuesday's earthquake, the people of Santa Maria Ave, Redcliffs, gathered at the top of the street and hugged and cried.