"Deeply appreciative" Tongans are showing their gratitude for NZ support with a big fund raising effort for the Canterbury quake victims.

Incumbent Bob Parker is way ahead of rival Jim Anderton in the Christchurch city mayoralty race, according to a poll issued today.

A year after an attack that killed her friend and left her at death's door, the Christchurch nurse is smiling and thankful she is still alive.

Police are appealing for information after two girls reported separate abduction attempts in Christchurch on Saturday night.

Christchurch police are hunting a man who tried to lure a 10-year-old girl into his car on a busy residential street over the weekend.

There has been more earthquake activity in Canterbury this morning and overnight with eight strong aftershocks continuing to rattle the region.

Liquefaction was a huge problem, and many hard-hit Bexley residents believe that was because their homes were built on what was once a swamp.

Perseverance, commitment and a touch of magic from Sonny Bill Williams saw Canterbury return to winning ways yesterday.

At least three aftershocks have hit Christchurch in quick succession this evening, the latest a magnitude 4 quake centred within 5km of Christchurch at a depth of 9km.

A big crowd got to watch on for free as Canterbury secured the result they wanted with a 37-30 national provincial championship rugby win over Wellington in Christchurch today.

Things are looking up for thousands of householders in areas worst hit by the Canterbury earthquake.

A complaint by Paula Bennett over a news item which claimed she offered money to a solo mum is to go ahead.

Dozens of angry residents have rallied in one of Christchurch's worst earthquake-hit areas over the "third world" conditions they are still living.

Photos from before and during Metallica's concert first Christchurch concert.

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