Rescuers have found no survivors at two Christchurch CBD buildings where signs of life were reported this morning, the Fire Service says.

The family of a woman feared dead in the earthquake has suffered another cruel blow with her home being burgled while her children waited for news.

Search and rescue staff are moving into the suburbs of Christchurch looking for the dead and injured from Tuesday's earthquake. The official death toll this morning stands at 72.

Prime Minister John Key has not ruled out imposing an earthquake levy similar to the flood levy brought in Queensland.

Images record the shocking aftermath of the magnitude 6.3 quake around the suburbs of Christchurch.

It was one of many emotional scenes at the domestic terminal of Auckland Airport as loved ones were reunited

A message from the Pope was read out at a special service to pray for safety in the days ahead.

Hope is fading for hundreds of people missing for a second night after the Christchurch earthquake.

Christchurch hospitals are busy but coping as patient numbers swell from the earthquake.

Rescuers were last night coming under fire for pulling out of attempts to get to people trapped in the CTV building. The search was abandoned yesterday after police said they were "100 per cent sure" there were no survivors.

At least 14 were still trapped and facing a second cold and lonely night in the mangled PGG building.