When the shaking begins, my first thought is "it's just another aftershock". There have been plenty in Christchurch since the big quake.

Statistics New Zealand has stopped the delivery of census forms in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

North Island hospitals are receiving Christchurch earthquake victims and plan to send specialists to help in the devastated city.

At least 100 people remain trapped in the ruins of Christchurch tonight following a devastating earthquake which claimed at least 65 lives.

Hope amongst the rubble of a collapsed multi-level office block on Madras Street as a woman buried by rubble is dug out alive after Christchurch's devastating earthquake.

A second huge quake has devastated the homes and lives of Cantabrians. Send your messages of support to those affected by the devastating quake.

The destruction around central Christchurch after the magnitude 6.3 earthquake.

Residents of the town at the epicentre of today's devastating aftershock have told of terrifying ordeals as the ground crumbled around them.

Several appeals have been launched to help Cantabrians following today's devastating earthquake. ANZ launched an appeal and announced it would make the first donation, $1 million.

Darkness, rain and temperatures are falling on Christchurch with people still trapped in buildings crumpled by a massive earthquake. So far, 65 people have been confirmed dead with the toll expected to rise.

Herald reporter Fran O'Sullivan is in Christchurch for the United States-New Zealand Partnership Forum and was having lunch in the CBD with delegates at the time of the quake.

Prime Minister John Key has told reporters that the death toll from today's magnitude 6.3 earthquake stands at 65, and Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said it could quite possibly double.

The magnitude 6.3 earthquake that devastated Christchurch was strong enough to shake 30 million tonnes of ice.

Today's deadly Christchurch earthquake could be a sign of further devastation to come, with one seismologist warning that it had increased the likelihood of a large earthquake hitting Wellington.

Dramatic tales of survival are beginning to emerge from today's devastating Christchurch earthquake.

Aerial photos reveal the damage to buildings and shows flooding and rubble lining the streets of Christchurch.