Yesterday's earthquake off the coast of Japan brought back memories of the 2011 disaster for many locals.

COMMENT: Three major shakes in South Island in the last six years, have highlighted how the enemy we are most likely to have to front is the one within.

The ruined State Highway 1 along Kaikoura's pulverised coast will be rebuilt - with the prospect that huge rockfalls will be bulldozed into the sea.

Wellington's Lambton House building was partially evacuated after a technician found a "potentially hazardous" substance in a lift well.

The key remaining route to Kaikoura is closed and some residents are being forced to sleep outside after a strong 5.7 aftershock on Tuesday evening.

Hundreds of people turned out to farewell Jo-Anne Mackinnon, who died in last week's 7.8-magnitude earthquake. Mackinnon's funeral

Tears trickle down the faces of Kaikoura quake victims as they realise how long the road to recovery stretches before them.

The first baby has been born in Kaikoura since it was rattled by a devastating 7.8 earthquake.

Last Monday's earthquake should be a wake-up call about the risks commercial building owners overlook when it comes to non-structural items, say experts.

The earthquake-shattered main road linking Picton and Christchurch will "definitely" be closed for at least the next six months, the Transport Minister says.

Opening access to SH1 on the south side of Kaikoura will happen "quite a way before we open up to the north", Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has told Kaikoura.

Scientists have revealed astonishing new insights into how the 7.8-magnitude quake affected New Zealand's seabed.

A wage subsidy package offered by the Government to small businesses in Kaikoura and nearby communities will be extended to larger businesses.

The 5.4 magnitude quake struck at 1.21pm 70km south east of Porangahau, at a depth of 40km.

Geonet reports that the earthquake, which struck at 1.19pm, was at a depth of 40km.

Statistics NZ staff are moving into a new home after the 7.8 earthquake partially collapsed its headquarters at CentrePort.

Residents were urged to "evacuate immediately" after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off Fukushima prefecture in Japan, sparking a tsunami warning.

Asbestos contamination and a highly unstable building have destroyed any chance of personal belongings being saved from 61 Molesworth St in Wellington.

'Early wake-up call' for former All Black Cory Jane as quake hits Japan.

An earthquake has struck Japan and a tsunami warning has been issued. Join Tristram Clayton for the latest.

First there were "quake cows", now a lamb has been plucked to safety in Canterbury.

WATCH: Tsunami warning lifted in Japan after major earthquake hits same region devastated by 2011 quake.

Freight destined for Wellington's CentrePort was quickly diverted to Napier Port after the Kaikoura earthquake.

Restaurant owners affected by the 2011 earthquake travelled to Kaikoura yesterday to share their experiences and offer advice.

More than 100 Hawke's Bay claims had been lodged with the EQC after the Kaikoura earthquake.

Now the North Island is on the move as a massive silent quake strikes Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.

Seventy Kiwibank workers shut out of their earthquake affected building in Wellington have relocated to Hastings. Staff had been

COMMENT: Blaming quakes on sexual behaviour is a disgraceful insult as our hearts go out to shaken communities.

Claire Trevett plots the topsy-turvy week of Prime Minister John Key - in which a quake sets the scene.