The biggest names in Kiwi music are lining up to star in a benefit concert for earthquake-struck Cantabrians.

It can be hard to keep perspective when an incident as devastating as the Christchurch earthquake occurs.

Tracking today's events as they happen on day 12 of the Christchurch earthquake disaster.

Student volunteers who helped in the earthquake clean-up have been rewarded with tickets to a sold-out Metallica gig.

The states of emergency put in place after the Canterbury earthquake were this morning extended until midday Thursday.

The Government has taken on sweeping powers to rebuild Christchurch after the earthquake.

Jade software came through the Christchurch earthquake without missing a beat.

Property developer Hugh Pavletich says more land around the fringes of Christchurch should be opened for building.

A man seriously injured by a falling chimney in the Christchurch earthquake thanks his rescuers from hospital.

Richie McCaw was in Kaiapoi yesterday filming an advertisement to help earthquake victims.

Police doing post-quake patrols today came across a man mixing up chemicals to make methamphetamine.

Geotechnology engineers are assessing damage to Christchurch land and are expected to file their reports next week.

A man seriously injured when a chimney fell on him during the Canterbury earthquake has thanked his wife and "heroic neighbours" for saving his life.

Long diversions remain in place for heavy vehicles travelling on State Highway One south of Kaikoura, after a major slip on Friday night.

SH1 north of Christchurch remains closed following a major slip near Kaikoura on Friday night.

Consultancy Planit Associates says the Christchurch earthquake requires a rethink in the way development and urban growth are managed.

Hamish Keith is an arts and social commentator.

The Govt has won political support for emergency earthquake relief legislation that will bypass existing laws to speed up rebuilding in Canterbury.