Businesses and residents may be able to retrieve important belongings from earthquake-damaged areas of Christchurch's CBD from next week.

The land in some parts of Christchurch is so badly damaged entire streets and even neighbourhoods may be abandoned completely. Early indications suggest as many as 10,000 houses will have to be demolished.

Missing people are still being reported nearly two weeks after the Christchurch earthquake, police say.

The national state of emergency imposed after last month's devastating earthquake will be extended today and is likely to be in place for some time, Prime Minister John Key says.

A couple whose house was "trashed" in the September 4 earthquake had just had the go-ahead to rebuild when the February 22 quake occurred.

More than a week after the devastating earthquake police are still treating the situation as a rescue mission.

Kick them while they are down is no one's idea of how to administer first aid.

One of the world's biggest reinsurers estimated today that last week's Christchurch earthquake would cost insurers between $8.1 billion and $16b.

Wealthy parents receiving money from Working for Families look set to lose the funding as the Govt looks to find financial relief for the Christchurch quake.

Plenty of ideas and plans have been floated to try to ensure the Christchurch is rebuilt. Here are 10 proposals doing the rounds.

Execs to brief international investors on damage to firm's Canterbury operations.

Residents with no toilets, power or water but loads of sludge can still manage a smile.

Thousands of Christchurch's 350,000 inhabitants have left in droves, flying, driving, even walking away, with no plans to return any time soon.

John Key indicated last night that Earthquake Commission levies could triple because of the damage caused by the Christchurch earthquake.

Weekend Herald writer Phil Taylor takes to his bike to view the devastation in Christchurch.

Amid the tragedy and debris it feels harsh to talk about economics and daunting to talk about getting Christchurch back to business.

It's obvious that mere amateurism will not help our second-largest city up on its feet this time.