Standard & Poor's Rating Services says the government is likely to be called on to fund claims from the Christchurch earthquake.

If increased levies are needed to replenish Earthquake Commission funds then the Government would consider it, Prime Minister John Key says.

In the minutes after Tuesday's earthquake, the people of Santa Maria Ave, Redcliffs, gathered at the top of the street and hugged and cried.

A Govt package for displaced homeowners is the 'first really positive thing' since the Canterbury quake, a resident says.

Cantabrians forced out of their earthquake-damaged homes are set to get financial assistance and help finding accommodation from the Govt.

Gerry Brownlee has rejected claims he told Canterbury residents that selling their quake-damaged homes would be the best way to withdraw equity.

More than $7 million has been spent on overseas workers brought in to help cope with the workload after the Canterbury earthquake.

Christchurch's Boxing Day aftershocks and the recent wet weather have seen more than 1000 claims lodged with the Earthquake Commission.

Residents in the street worst affected by September's earthquake may spend another two Christmases waiting for their homes to be rebuilt.

We could fill this Government debt hole with a Telethon...

Canterbury's massive earthquake and aftershocks are likely to rank as the fifth most costly quake ever for insurers.

More than 80 per cent of Christchurch households have filed insurance claims for the Canterbury quake.