Hundreds of people devastated by the Christchurch earthquake are staying put in emergency shelters.

Mayor Bob Parker is unsure about the comparison with former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, but the earthquake that struck Christchurch could help him keep his job.

The seismic shift in the South Island made headline news around the world.

After 48 hours - and what seems like countless aftershocks - the mood of the people of Canterbury is changing.

Dibley has the redoubtable vicar Geraldine, and Hororata has the Rev Jenni Carter.

The wild winds forecast for Canterbury tonight are unlikely to reach full force in Christchurch.

Safety first is the message authorities want to convey as many displaced locals face a second night away from their homes.

It was the earthquake New Zealanders have been told for years to expect. And Christchurch got it.

Rebuilding the damage caused by yesterday's earthquake could create a much-needed economic upturn for Canterbury.

All non-essential procedures booked in Christchurch for tomorrow have been cancelled as a result of disruptions from the earthquake.

Christchurch Hospital is already seeing a stream of people with minor injuries from trying to fix their houses.

A list of websites where Canterbury residents can get more information.

Most of the CBD remains closed off to the general public, in contrast to the outer suburbs where people are going about business as usual.

Audrey Young finds Canterbury farmers are sticking together after yesterday's massive earthquake.

Christchurch was "inevitably going to be brought to its knees" by an earthquake because of the nature of the ground it stands on, a scientist says.

Some residents in the earthquake zone may be without power until the end of the week, says lines company Orion.

"It's essentially a ghost town. You can see utter devastation," said Prime Minister John Key.

The Herald's photographers have captured amazing scenes from the aftermath of September 4's magnitude 7.1 earthquake.

Audrey Young visits one of Christchurch's oldest houses, and finds it still standing.

Weather analyst Philip Duncan gives his account of the Christchurch earthquake.

Readers' photos from the aftermath of Saturday's magnitude 7.1 quake. Click here to send us your pictures and video

"It's a reminder to us all that in the case of natural disasters, it's not a matter of if, but a matter of when."