The names of six more people who police have confirmed died in the February 22 Christchurch earthquake have been released.

Search teams who were bracing for grim news had a "surreal" moment when they discovered no bodies buried in the ChristChurch Cathedral spire that had collapsed during last week's devastating earthquake.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says if he had his way, most of Christchurch's heritage buildings would be bowled tomorrow.

An Australian searcher who helped remove victims from the earthquake-ravaged Canterbury TV building says bringing closure to families was his way of coping with the devastation.

It's the only time I saw a policeman cry. Acts of kindness can do that.

When the roof of the Pyne Gould Corporation building fell in, more than 100 workers were inside.

Marcel Mihulka had carefully planned a romantic candlelit proposal at a hot spa overlooking Queenstown's Shotover River.

Teens who struggled to buy tickets won their fight to get their money back after their swimming event in Christchurch was cancelled.

Central Auckland would suffer only a few casualties if struck by an earthquake similar to the Lyttelton shake.

Prime Minister John Key saw for himself today the devastation wrought by last week's earthquake in Christchurch's eastern suburbs and acknowledged the hardship faced by residents.

Prime Minister John Key visited Christchurch's hard-hit eastern suburbs today to try and reassure residents they have not been forgotten.

Earthquake victim Shane Tomlin, whose family clung to hope after footage of him pulled from the rubble alive was broadcast around the world, was farewelled this afternoon at a church overlooking the ocean in his family hometown of Kaikoura.

Police have officially released the names of seven more people who died in the February 22 Christchurch earthquake. The death toll now stands at 163.

Half of Christchurch's heritage buildings are in danger of demolition after assessments showing they have severe earthquake damage.

Search and rescue crews found two more bodies overnight, lifting the death toll from the February 22 Christchurch earthquake to 163.

With the rescue phase over in Christchurch's central city, authorities are working to restore vital services to the eastern suburbs.

Accommodation providers renting out homes for the Rugby World Cup are clinging to hope that the tournament will still be held in Christchurch.