A search for survivors has now become a grim effort to recover dead bodies from the rubble of Christchurch city centre.

The Government's budget in May will show the cost of the Christchurch earthquake, Prime Minister John Key says.

A funeral service was held this afternoon to celebrate the life of Christchurch quake victim Jeff Pelesa Sanft.

In response to the tragic earthquake in Christchurch on Tuesday, several events across New Zealand have been organised to raise money for relief funds.

Christchurch is "utterly" committed to holding its Rugby World Cup matches, and its citizens "will be far from pleased if they miss out on an event that has taken on a different meaning", Mayor Bob Parker said this morning.

More than a week after the devastating earthquake police are still treating the situation as a rescue mission.

The two buildings that claimed the greatest number of lives in the earthquake were built on soft soil.

The earthquake and last week's deadly tremor were on faultlines that did not exist on GNS Science's database.

Glenn Prattley's broken body is in Dunedin. His heart has been left behind in Christchurch.

Judge Tony Couch has sent a stern message to Christchurch. Behave in this crisis or face the consequences.

nzherald.co.nz reporter Paul Harper on the newest problem facing earthquake-hit Christchurch - dust, dust and more dust.

Hundreds of Afghanis who fled their home country have become refugees again - this time from Christchurch.

Jetstar has apologised to a couple after demanding photographic proof that their home was damaged.

Jett Mitchell hadn't slept in his own bed since the September earthquake and was receiving counselling on the fifth floor of the Canterbury Television building when the quake struck Christchurch.

It will take more than 10 years to rebuild Christchurch, says acting Economic Development Minister David Carter.

After two days of hot weather, the reeking sewage-laden silt has dried and the wind sends its dust billowing out.