John Key said the cost of the earthquake and any resultant economic hits could affect the ability to offer a tax cut programme in the short term

Residents are being warned aftershocks connected to the Kaikoura earthquake will continue for months to years.

The daughter-in-law of the 100-year-old woman rescued from the rubble of an historic homestead speaks out.

Volunteers say they will continue rescuing paua along Kaikoura's coastline at the first low tide tomorrow after seeking permission from iwi.

Around 50 per cent of buildings in Kaikoura have had their rapid assessment completed.

A visit by one of Kaikoura's world-famous whales has lifted the spirits of the town's quake-struck residents today.

The Ministry of Health says the risk of a gastro bug outbreak in Kaikoura is under control for the time being.

Wellington Harbour has been invaded by five vessels from the US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand navies.

New Zealand is in for a relatively dry day today with areas of morning cloud and isolated showers in the north, clearing around midday and becoming mostly sunny.

Rural residents are frustrated at being forgotten almost a week after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake shattered Kaikoura.

British woman Kaikoura Stuart has a message for the people of the town she was named after.

He lost his partner, his home and is sore all over after the weekend's devastating earthquake in the northeastern South Island.

Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Gerry Brownlee said he is disgusted with the people who have looted earthquake victims' homes and a train.

MPI has denied reports it sent a letter to volunteers today stating they can continue moving paua along Kaikoura's coastline - paua should be left where they are.

The earthquake that struck Kaikoura this week could cost the insurance industry as much as $5.3 billion.

Statistics New Zealand has hit out at claims its quake-damaged headquarters could be demolished.

Hundreds of home checks have been carried out in the worst-hit areas by Red Cross personnel since Monday's 7.8 quake.

One of the car park buildings at Lower Hutt's Queensgate shopping centre has been found to have suffered structural damage in Monday's 7.8 magnitude quake.

It is too soon to say how the earthquake recovery costs will impact on any tax-cut plans by National, says the Finance Minister.

They're relocating paua by the tonne. About 40 tonnes were expected to have been cut free from the rocks along the Kaikoura coastline by this afternoon.

A huge landslide has filled a valley in the ranges of quake-stricken Kaikoura.

Nelson plasterer's bright idea sees plane land in quake-torn area laden with KFC, McDonald's burgers and pizza.

Water flooded 140m inland south of Kaikoura, damaging one home at Little Pigeon Bay.

The Army aid convoy foiled in its attempt to reach cut-off Kaikoura by the Inland Road yesterday is making another go today.

Red Cross member Kath Cosgrove said Kaikpura locals are starting to break under the stress following Monday's 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

Cafe owners are calling for "business anew" as they hope numbers will soon return to normal in quake-stricken Kaikoura.

Quake victim's family express 'sincere gratitude' for community support.

Stranded tourists are drinking and partying through the night causing grief for locals, says MP.

More homes have been evacuated in Kaikoura after a potential landslide risk was detected.

Lying on the ground next to Kaikoura Highschool's gymnasium wall was a pile of fractured concret bricks.