Civil Defence aims to rescue 600 stranded tourists from Kaikoura today.

Red Cross is providing psychological support to communities affected by this week's earthquake, as people prepare to spend another night in welfare centres.

New laws against looters are not necessary, says police minister.

New Zealand Post is warning that some mail will be delayed in areas hit by this week's earthquakes.

The alpine tourist hotspot of Hanmer Springs, usually a thriving, buzzing place, resembles a ghost town.

Almost $40,000 has been donated to help a Christchurch family whose seaside home was burgled after they evacuated during yesterday's earthquake and tsunami warning.

Preliminary modelling suggests that the earthquake was caused by a rupture of a northeast-striking fault t, but this may be a more complex event.

An English couple was brought to tears describing their nightmare New Zealand holiday.

Kiwis have rallied behind the family burgled after fleeing their seaside home in Christchurch this morning, with almost $20,000 fundraised.

Today's earthquake can trigger emotional trauma for Cantabrians even though there's been little physical damage in Christchurch, a psychologist says.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is calling for tough new laws around looting after three houses were burgled in the aftermath of this morning's quake.

There's a 12 per cent chance of a big quake hitting before midnight. That's the prediction from government scientists GeoNet.

GNS Science seismologist Dr John Ristau has answered your earthquake questions in a live chat.

Sez Nathan and her family watched as the walls of their Waiau home crumbled around them in the early hours of this morning.

Police are investigating three burglaries following this morning's earthquake in Christchurch.

Images are starting to come out of Kaikoura where widespread damage and one death has occurred.

As New Zealand wakes up to reports of the series of earthquakes to have shaken the country overnight the rest of the world is also coming to grips with the news.

Scientists investigating the mechanics of the earthquake say it faulted in the same way the February 22, 2011, Christchurch Earthquake did.

The earthquake in the early hours of this morning brought back memories of the September 2010 and February 2011 quakes for Donna Mills.

A Waiau local says roads around the epicentre of this morning's quake are blocked by massive landslides and deep cracks that stretch for miles.

Heavy rain and wind is forecast to batter the upper South Island and lower North Island this afternoon.

A major medical marijuana trial is underway in New Zealand - testing the effects of a new cannabis gel on epilepsy patients.

The east coast is the best place to see Tuesday's supermoon.

This helicopter tour over the South Island was a star-studded affair.

Lotto players in Auckland, Paraparaumu, Nelson and Dunedin got a pleasant surprise tonight.

Thousands of punters turned out for Cup Day in Christchurch today.

An implement was used in an assault against four Christchurch prison guards last night.

Smoke alarm alerts pair to fire.

They seemed on their best behaviour. Maybe they didn't want to emulate Melbourne's global shame after last week's drunken race-going carnage.

A Hepatitis C sufferer who deliberately flicked blood in a women's face has been charged in Christchurch District Court.