The official death toll for the Christchurch earthquake has risen to 145 this evening and is expected to increase. Police are gravely concerned for more than 200 missing people.

More than 600 patients have been admitted to Christchurch Hospital Emergency Department since the earthquake, including 164 with serious injuries.

Christchurch couple Hamish and Jess McBrearty have welcomed baby Joseph -almost two weeks overdue - into the world.

Midwives are being sought in Christchurch as the number of premature births rises in the wake of Tuesday's earthquake.

"Entire blocks" of the Christchurch CBD will need to be demolished in the wake of the earthquake, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says.

The death toll from the Christchurch earthquake now stands at 123 and is expected to rise further today, police say.

Key stories on day five of the Christchurch earthquake.

There are many ways that you can help in the wake of yesterday's devastating Christchurch earthquake.

The woman who rang her son to say goodbye as she lay trapped in the PGC building for 24 hours has spoken about her ordeal.

Bricklayer's daughter on dad's death: It was "bloody bricks" that killed him. "He would have found that funny."

Families of 27 Japanese students thought to be buried beneath the flattened CTV building are praying for a miracle.

Amid the tragedy and debris it feels harsh to talk about economics and daunting to talk about getting Christchurch back to business.

Christchurch lived in its heritage - grand stone buildings, many of them now shattered by the largest ground shake recorded in NZ.

Central Christchurch is facing financial oblivion, a local business leader says.

'I was having a hot dog in the Square, felt the rumble, looked around, and the cathedral just come down.'