The Canterbury earthquake will be the most costly natural disaster NZ has faced, John Key said today as the Govt announced new measures to deal with rebuilding ruined homes.

The Govt says it will not know how big its bill for the Canterbury earthquake will be until its Recovery Commission has drafted a recovery plan.

Waimakariri residents are being warned of burglars posing as bogus insurance agents to case homes hit by Saturday's earthquake.

A woman plans to appeal to the High Court after an ACC decision not to pay a $250,000 medical bill she was left with when she fell seriously ill after having a flu jab.

Global re-insurance companies will probably take the bulk of losses for claims from the Christchurch earthquake not covered by EQC, says Moody's.

New home owners are finding themselves in limbo as insurers refuse to write any new policies for Christchurch's shaken homes.

Finance Minister Bill English has asked banks and the Inland Revenue Department to be flexible with Christchurch earthquake victims.

Saturday's earthquake could prove to be the tipping point for some businesses already squeezed by the recession, a Christchurch business leader says.

There have been nearly 5,000 insurance claims made already as a result of the Christchurch earthquake, says the Earthquake Commission. Here's how to make a claim.

Air New Zealand deals with nearly 4000 people in grief a year, some of whom have shared their tales with the Herald.

Steven Joyce scrapped a planned crackdown on professional car thieves despite support from the Justice Ministry and police.

Backpacker Sylvie Chappuis wonders how she and her travelling companion will pay for the rest of their dream NZ holiday.