The cordoned-off area of central Christchurch may be cut back within the next four days, says a local business leader.

The single ring of a bell echoed through the Holy Trinity Cathedral, signalling the moment the earthquake struck.

Petrol and diesel prices are on the up - but not in Christchurch.

For hundreds of grim and grimy Cantabrians one simple pleasure was finally accessible today - a shower to at least wash away some of the discomfort a week after an earthquake turned their lives upside down.

Hundreds of mourners have farewelled young father Jaime Gilbert and paid tribute to the selfless actions of two men who tried to save him.

The owners of the Canterbury Television (CTV) building are welcoming a government inquiry into why the building collapsed in the Christchurch quake.

A labour of love is taking shape as the employees of Christchurch earthquake victim Owen Wright craft his coffin from the timbers he loved to turn.

Bellringer John Dunn watched news footage of the earthquake-damaged ChristChurch Cathedral with an overwhelming sense of sadness.

The Govt is not ruling out changes to Working for Families or student loans as it considers how to foot the bill for Christchurch's recovery.

New Zealanders have paid tribute to the victims of the Christchurch earthquake with two minutes' silence marking the moment the disaster struck last week.

Mr Parkin was working at the Southern Ink Tattoo studio on Colombo St when last week's quake struck. His apprentice Matti McEachen was killed as the building collapsed and another staffer, Bonnie Singh, managed to crawl to safety with

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says people should not head into the central city to observe the two minutes' silence in honour of the victims of last week's earthquake today. Civil Defence says 154 bodies have now been recovered.

Dean Dunbar lost a teenage son in Pike River mine. Now, after seeing two homes wrecked in the Christchurch earthquakes, he is not taking any chances with his daughter.

A stained-glass window below the shattered spire inside the Christchurch Cathedral is flawless and untouched.

Richie McCaw says he knew the quake was bad as soon as it hit but "during the tough times, you see the good in people coming out."

Teams from across globe touched by city's loss toil side by side amidst rubble.

Damage to historic sites an extra blow for grieving Christchurch.

More than 200 Christchurch students are being taught in classrooms as far afield as Auckland while their schools undergo inspection and repair.