Civil Defence's reports of houses destroyed by fire and evacuations over the past 24 hours have varied wildly.

A Christchurch couple who were told that their home was lost in the Port Hills blaze, just hours after finally insuring it, appear to have had a lucky escape.

Exactly how many properties have been damaged by fires in Christchurch will not be known until much later, authorities say. And although

Tristram Clayton speaks to Civil Defence about the coordinated response to the State of Emergency in Christchurch.

The gorse, grass and pines on the Port Hills are ideal plants to fuel the wildfires sweeping through the area.

A photographer who surveyed the damage of the Port Hills fire from the air has shared the incredible images that show the devastation.

All Blacks legend speaks to NZME in his first interview since the wildfires.

Port Hills fire updates: Amazing images show the extent of the damage from the air, and just how close it came to some properties.

Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton have defended their handling of the Port Hills fire.

James Frost lost his home in the 2011 earthquake and now he's watched his home burn down in the Port Hills blaze.

Kiwis are showing their support for those affected by the Port Hills fire and the firefighters working to put it out by making a statement

Skellerup Holdings' first-half profit fell 7.5 per cent due to weaker sales to the mining sector in Australia and higher finance costs for a new factory in Christchurch.

With a raging wild fire surrounding the Christchurch Adventure Park, the future is uncertain for the fledgling business.

As a white shape emerged through the smoke, a stressed Port Hills homeowner saw what he needed to see: his family home of 20 years had survived the fire. So far.

Contact the SPCA if you need a temporary home for a fire-evacuated pet

Tristram Clayton is joined by Cashmere residents Chris & Emma Mugford about the fear they now face.

Cameraman says Sugarloaf seems to be the hottest part of the fire.

Laura McGoldrick is joined by Met Service Meteorologist Georgina Griffiths to discuss the latest weather updates.

As fire spread down the hills above his beloved historic Ohinetahi homestead and gardens, Sir Miles Warren wasn't going anywhere.

Prime Minister Bill English has scrapped his day's schedule to head to Christchurch instead.

People in the Dyers Pass Rd area of the Cashmere Hills have been ordered to leave their properties immediately.

Evacuated residents spend a restless night away from their homes in the path of the Port Hills fire. Some got terrible news this morning.

Lianne Dalziel says rubberneckers aren't helping and people need to 'stay at a distance' from the fires.

Rubberneckers are being warned to stay away from Christchurch's Port Hills.

In the midst of the raging inferno enveloping Christchurch's picturesque Port Hills, came a new life.

State of emergency declared as Port Hills' wildfires continued yesterday.

It's been a long night for Christchurch residents. Here's what you need to know first thing this morning.

Christchurch braces for a hot and windy day as wildfires continue to wreak havoc.

Paul Askin has spent years fearing terrible news about his son Steve. On Tuesday, that moment came when the chopper pilot died fighting Christchurch's fires.