The probability of another 7.0-plus quake striking have fallen further, GeoNet reported today, but large aftershocks are still likely across a large area of New Zealand.

The Ministry of Health says the risk of a gastro bug outbreak in Kaikoura is under control for the time being.

Thousands of central Wellington workers face an uncertain week as the clean-up from Monday's devastating 7.8 earthquake clean-up.

Prime Minister John Key writes exclusively for the Herald on Sunday after the Kaikoura earthquake.

COMMENT: Brian Tamaki's comments concerning earthquakes and their function in God's beautiful plan for mankind are beyond reason and beneath contempt.

Few places in the world can boast the natural wonders of Kaikoura. That all changed in one shaking, shocking minute last Monday morning.

Some of the earthquake relief efforts are wrapping up in Kaikoura.

Rural residents are frustrated at being forgotten almost a week after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake shattered Kaikoura.

British woman Kaikoura Stuart has a message for the people of the town she was named after.

Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall have sent a message to all New Zealanders affected by this week's devastating 7.8 magnitude quake.

4WD emergency team laden with supplies has been denied the ability to deliver the badly needed food and relief

He lost his partner, his home and is sore all over after the weekend's devastating earthquake in the northeastern South Island.

John Key says the Government expects to announce measures for a national disaster warning system which will "blast a message out to everyone".

Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Gerry Brownlee said he is disgusted with the people who have looted earthquake victims' homes and a train.

MPI has denied reports it sent a letter to volunteers today stating they can continue moving paua along Kaikoura's coastline - paua should be left where they are.

A man who has survived six disasters is calling for more support to be given to Kaikoura.

The earthquake that struck Kaikoura this week could cost the insurance industry as much as $5.3 billion.

Anyone with concerns about their building shouldn't hesitate to ask their landlord or body corporate if it's been inspected by a qualified engineer.

Hundreds of home checks have been carried out in the worst-hit areas by Red Cross personnel since Monday's 7.8 quake.

One of the car park buildings at Lower Hutt's Queensgate shopping centre has been found to have suffered structural damage in Monday's 7.8 magnitude quake.

Peter Dunne has echoed calls from the public to strip Destiny Church of its tax-exempt status.

It's critical shellfish and rock lobsters in Kaikoura's new intertidal zone are protected, MPI says.

COMMENT: It's time New Zealand dropped its famed "number eight wire" mentality and "she'll be right" attitude.

The US Admiral who ordered the USS Sampson to divert to the earthquake disaster zone has a long history with New Zealand.

Sitting in the darkness of his mountain home, aftershocks rumbling through and his partner's body in his arms, Gary Morton had never felt so alone.

The young baby of Kylee Guy and her new partner would almost certainly have been crushed to death in Monday's earthquake if not for the quick actions of his father.

Thousands of workers and residents of Wellington's CBD have been displaced, as engineers continue to detect damage incurred to buildings.

The number of aftershocks since Monday's big quake has topped 2800.

It is too soon to say how the earthquake recovery costs will impact on any tax-cut plans by National, says the Finance Minister.

COMMENT: I'm heartened by outpourings of aroha and kindness in a time of need.