The Government is set to close 13 Canterbury schools and merge another 18 in an overhaul of the education sector in the area that was revealed today.

Westpac and Lumley Insurance have teamed up to write new construction and full replacement home and contents cover in greater Christchurch in a move that has broken a post-earthquake insurance deadlock.

Insurance premiums in New Zealand and Australia rose well above the international average in 2011, according to global reinsurer, Swiss Re.