A day after new research into major "megathrust" earthquakes was revealed, a seismologist has been appointed as the first Professor of Earthquake Science at the University of Otago.

Scientists have uncovered evidence that two major earthquakes of the same type hit central New Zealand in the past 1000 years.

The 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Nepal on May 12, just weeks after the devastating 7.8 magnitude event, should be classed as an aftershock rather than a second earthquake.

A small quake has been felt near Seddon early this morning.

The first draft of quake-proof law was an over-reaction, but the revised version is practical and affordable.

A strong earthquake centred in Marlborough was felt as far away as Wellington this evening. GeoNet said the magnitude 4.6 quake happened 16km underground.

Remarkable aerial photographs have been released today to graphically illustrate how Christchurch's cityscape has forever been changed by the devastating earthquake sequence.

A New Zealander who had been unaccounted for since the first earthquake in Nepal has been identified as safe and sound in Kathmandu.

A Canterbury University student who led earthquake recovery efforts in Christchurch is heading to help in Nepal following Tuesday's quake.

Aid workers are on high alert following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that stuck Nepal yesterday.

New Zealanders volunteering in Nepal have spoken of the terror as a second massive earthquake struck the country.

A magnitude 7.3 earthquake hit Nepal today, with a number of powerful aftershocks also shaking the beleaguered nation.

Canterbury residents were shaken awake by an earthquake this morning, which followed two in the area overnight.

New Zealand engineers are on the way to Nepal to assess earthquake damage in the capital, Kathmandu.

New Zealand engineers are on the way to Nepal to assess earthquake damage in the capital Kathmandu.

Survivors of the avalanche at Everest Base Camp have described how an NZ-based doctor helped save the lives of 25 people, despite being wounded herself.

A new deadline of 50 years to strengthen earthquake-prone buildings will preserve Auckland's heritage areas, a trust that owns old buildings says.

Major changes to rules about quake-prone buildings have been announced, cutting the number of buildings requiring assessment from 500,000 to 30,000.

A lack of medical facilities is heightening the crisis for people in quake-ravaged Nepal, said New Zealand aid agency MEND.

Trekkers on Base Camp, many being experienced adventure seekers, relive their experiences of Nepal's earthquake.

The earthquake centred 30km north-west of Wanaka at 5km deep. New Zealand Police said people reported some instances of broken windows but no major damage.

A New Zealander feared missing in Nepal after a large earthquake struck the nation has been found, but two more are still unaccounted for.

A rescue dog has provided a dog's-eye view of the destruction in Nepal as he helps with the rescue efforts.

Two women and one man were rescued alive in north-east Nepal yesterday, eight days after the earthquake that hit the Himalayan country.

Peter Hillary and Jamling Tenzing Norgay, whose fathers scaled Everest for the first time, witnessed the Nepal earthquake and avalanche first hand.

A Kiwi anaesthetist volunteering in quake-ravaged Nepal says the most heart-wrenching sights are the things he can't help with - providing food and shelter.

A personalised number plate remembering Sir Edmund Hillary is being auctioned to raise money for Nepal’s rebuild after the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake last Saturday.

Three New Zealanders thought to have been missing in Nepal have contacted their families to let them know they're safe, as three remain unaccounted for.

Kiwi backpacker Doran Graham spent more than three hours smashing through concrete and moving debris to help rescue a man trapped under rubble in Nepal.

Tower may record small net loss in first half on quake adjustment as underlying earnings grow.