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.

Fletcher Construction says its residential repair programme in Canterbury as agent for the Earthquake Commission (EQC) is temporarily on hold.

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.

There have been almost 3500 claims so far from the Boxing Day earthquake that struck Canterbury, the Earthquake Commission said today.

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.

Treasury is sitting on advice to the government about options for selling state assets, and is just waiting to be asked to produce it.