Almost $40,000 has been donated to help a Christchurch family whose seaside home was burgled after they evacuated during yesterday's earthquake and tsunami warning.

The truck driver who narrowly escaped being buried in the quake won't be in the dog box for calling his boss before his partner.

Thieves stole a number of firearms from a South Island house while the occupants were evacuated due to yesterday's tsunami warning.

Preliminary modelling suggests that the earthquake was caused by a rupture of a northeast-striking fault t, but this may be a more complex event.

Scientists say this week's earthquake has seen parts of the South Island move 10 metres. GNS senior scientist Graham Leonard said

Little crime in Kaikoura overnight, but police now gearing up for traffic issues further north as weather worsens.

The first word comes of the fate of three cows trapped after yesterday's quake.

Richie McCaw, who has been airlifting stranded tourists out of Kaikoura, says the devastation from the air looks "pretty crazy".

Aftershocks continue around Kaikoura this morning.

Tourists will be ranked according to need as the evacuation of Kaikoura begins.

John Key reassures the country that the government is in a good position to pay for the latest natural disaster.

There’s been another night of aftershocks rattling the nerves of residents already on edge after yesterday’s 7.5 Kaikoura quake. As of six this morning there have been 832 aftershocks

A Dutch tourist waiting to be evacuated from Kaikoura says the people of the earthquake-damaged-town are her heroes.

Prime Minister John Key said several world leaders had contacted him about the earthquakes, including an attempt by US President-elect Donald Trump.

Tourists endure rough night in welfare centre and cars but rescue flights under way today.

Predicting large earthquakes is not as simple as looking to the moon or watching the pet cat. A post online predicting an earthquake

JS141116NADQUAKE115.JPG A planned surf lesson for a group of international students at Sandy Bay went ahead yesterday after instructors

Wellington CBD is open for business, but workers should check with their employers before heading into town for work.

Public transport is running again in Wellington today and some roads in the South Island should start to reopen.

'Long, scary night' for family as the earth continues to roll.

Engineers hard at work to restore road access to seaside hamlet.

Three cows left standing on an island of land have drawn international attention.

Once again the worst of circumstances brings out the best in New Zealanders.

Thousands of people remained trapped in Kaikoura last night without water, sewerage systems and phone reception after a massive quake struck South Island.

Herald journalist Andrew Stone describes the terrifying aftermath of the quake.

The evacuation, via sea, of tourists stranded in Kaikoura is still a day away.

Their ceiling has collapsed, there is no running water or power, every bottle, glass and plate in their restaurant is broken - and a bottle of pinot noir has already been opened.

As the dust was settling, it was becoming clear how good fortune had touched many. It was also apparent the damage caused.

HMNZS Canterbury is sailing to Kaikoura loaded with aid supplies and will bring back tourists and residents.