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.

The earthquake that struck Christchurch during lunch hour yesterday was an aftershock seismologists hoped would never come.

Prime Minister John Key flew into Christchurch to what he says were scenes from a horror movie.

Much of Christchurch is without essential services after yesterday's earthquake with gas, power, water and phone infrastructure all affected.

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.

Christchurch famililes take refuge around Christchurch.

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.