Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says there is "significant structural damage" to his city after this morning's 7.1 quake, with some eastern suburbs facing possible evacuation.

Vodafone is advising customers in Christchurch to keep cellphone calls sort, or preferably use SMS messages.

The magnitude 7.1 earthquake which struck Christchurch about 4.30am today rates among the top dozen to hit New Zealand.

Christchurch residents are recounting terrifying ordeals during this morning's 7.1 magnitude earthquake.

The savage bashing and stomping of a 16-yr-old in Christchurch was recorded on a mobile so the video could be put on the net, a court hears.

Cities throughout New Zealand will be voting for new leaders as Auckland ushers in the Super City in October. Jarrod Booker examines two very different candidates running for Christchurch mayor.

Bic Runga is returning to the live stage as the support act for Leonard Cohen's tour in late October.

Travellers between Tauranga and Christchurch, and Invercargill and Wellington, are the big winners in Air New Zealand's latest boost to domestic capacity.

A man has been charged with driving while disqualified after his car crashed into a couple in Christchurch last night, killing them.