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.

Residents with no toilets, power or water but loads of sludge can still manage a smile.

Christchurch's small CBD traders will be forced out to fringe areas like Riccarton, Addington and Sydenham, says one property expert.

Charity collection scams, fake rescue workers and email rorts - the Christchurch quake has been an opportunity for criminals and fakers.

Christchurch hoteliers are waiting to assess the damage to tourist accommodation with about 3000 rooms behind the CBD cordon.

Amanda Hooper an incredibly motivated and loving person, says her former coach.

A year from now, Christchurch will still be rattled by a magnitude-four aftershock at least once a month, according to a scientist.

Strong winds that were set to hit Christchurch this afternoon did not eventuate, but residents are warned that they should secure loose roofs and beware of the threat of falling masonry.

As the Government commits itself to rebuilding earthquake-ravaged Christchurch, it is looking at costs running into tens of billions with an economic impact that will last for years.

Prime Minister John Key today announced those put out of work by last week's deadly earthquake will be eligible for subsidies of $400 per week.

Police have evacuated 200 properties in the exclusive Christchurch suburbs of Redcliff and Clifton Hills after cracks appeared in cliffs above the houses.

The bodies recovered after last Tuesday's 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch will be released to families as soon as possible and are being treated with respect in the meantime, the Chief Coroner says.

A man who used Lyttelton's historic Timeball Station to propose to his wife exactly a year before it was devastated by last week's quake says he is gutted the landmark has been seriously damaged.