Prime Minister John Key has conceded he received no official advice that some areas of quake-stricken Christchurch may need to be abandoned.

Official figures released today by Civil Defence tag the number of homes condemned to date in Christchurch at 2190 - about 7800 shy of John Key's estimate of 10,000 - causing some to question where the PM's office is getting its information

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.

Engineering reports expected in coming days on Christchurch's earthquake-damaged AMI Stadium will dictate whether the city can play host to the Rugby World Cup.

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.

The men who led the escape from the Hotel Grand Chancellor smashed through doors, tip-toed down crumbling staircases, and considered abseiling from the 23rd floor.

A Chinese businessman has donated $100,000 to the Christchurch earthquake appeal after reading about the numerous Chinese people killed or missing.

The date for a National Memorial Service to honor victims of the Christchurch earthquake has been named. The service, which will be held in North Hagley Park, is being organised by the Christchurch City Council and the Visits and Ceremonial

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

A man who helped others cross the Port Hills after the earthquake before being hit by falling boulders was remembered today at a service attended by hundreds.

Structural engineers should work with conservation architects and architectural historians to ensure that no quake-damaged heritage buildings in Christchurch are demolished in haste, a heritage campaigner says.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the focus on heritage buildings after the devastating earthquake in Christchurch is 'unacceptable' at a time when thousands of residents' lives have been disrupted.

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.

Specially trained staff from Fonterra have joined the recovery effort in Christchurch city centre.