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.

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

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

Their task is to enter highly restricted and prohibited areas, putting their lives on the line to save others.

Cancer survivor Sam Struthers says that victory was nothing compared with surviving this week's earthquake.

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

Dozens are missing or confirmed dead in an earthquake that could have claimed as many as 300. Here are some of the stories of the victims.

Prime Minister John Key yesterday saw for himself the grim situation confronting earthquake survivors.