A massive recovery operation in Christchurch is aimed at making it the most "earthquake safe" city in the world, its Mayor Bob Parker says.

The Insurance Council and the Earthquake Commission (EQC) disagree over who will cover what insurance costs of the Christchurch earthquake.

Fletcher Building infrastructure boss Mark Binns knows that quake recovery will take a lot more than talking and planning, writes Anne Gibson

Civil Defence plans to create "safe corridors" to buildings within Christchurch's quake-ravaged central business district.

Police have named another seven victims of last month's Christchurch earthquake.

More than 10 per cent of buildings demolished in Christchurch following last month's quake were levelled without the knowledge of their owners.

A new government department could be set up to deal with rebuilding Christchurch.

The Japan tsunami has derailed the Government's plan to put out the begging bowl to the world to pay for the rebuilding of Christchurch.

Dave Dobbyn, Dame Malvina Major and Hayley Westenra will perform to a crowd of tens of thousands expected to gather for today's National Memorial Service at Harley Park today.

Finance minister keen to avoid levy despite facing cost of $10 billion

Prince William was today stunned by the damage in quake-hit Christchurch, where he thanked Civil Defence and USAR workers for their "stirling" efforts.

Prince William has been stunned by the scale of devastation inflicted by last month's earthquake in Christchurch, after touring the "red zone" in the central city this afternoon.

This year's Budget deficit will blow out to 8 per cent of gross domestic product, says Finance Minister Bill English.

About 30 Christchurch business owners were given the chance this morning to retrieve what they could from their premises inside the cordon around the most quake-damaged parts of the central city.

A proposed public walk through the earthquake-devastated Christchurch city centre has been called off due to safety concerns.

A proposed public walk-through of the devastated Christchurch city centre has been labelled "grotesque" and has raised concerns priority earthquake response work might be passed over.

The Christchurch earthquake rebuild could cost as much as $30 billion, but could make Christchurch.....

Insurance companies all but stopped writing new cover in Christchurch in the wake of the February 22 earthquake.

Police have released the names of 13 more people who died in the February 22 Christchurch earthquake, including the partner and five-week-old baby of a man who is lying injured in Dunedin Hospital.

The February 22 earthquake has left a mark on everyone in Christchurch - and for many, quite literally.

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