Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says up to 12,000 homes could be demolished in Christchurch, but is refusing to reveal when the city's much-awaited land reports will be revealed.

Score another point for moon man Ken Ring - he picked the latest earthquake for Christchurch.

A positive buzz has returned to Christchurch this morning, with hundreds of volunteers turning up to help clear silt from Monday's earthquake.

Christchurch residents are likely to have been woken today after a magnitude 4.4 aftershock struck shortly before 7am.

When roots run deep they can survive many a shaking.

The All Black superstar says he will not be forced out by Christchurch's earthquakes.

The Christchurch Cathedral dean says the building will always be at the centre of the city, wherever that might be.

Pharmacist sees the tension in customers' faces - and in their prescriptions.