Residents allowed into parts of Christchurch's central business district cordon today are being warned not to enter yellow-stickered buildings.

Recovery efforts at the Canterbury TV building have officially ended, with no further positive identifications. Usar workers have sifted through every piece of debris and are satisfied nothing more can be done, the Fire Service says.

Residents of the eastern suburbs of Christchurch have been praised for the fortitude their community has shown following the February 22 earthquake.

The body of Janet Meller has probably been lying in the morgue at Burnham for 11 days - but her partner doesn't know for sure.

Christchurch was last night slammed by its biggest aftershock since the day of the devastating February 22 earthquake.

The names of six more people who police have confirmed died in the February 22 Christchurch earthquake have been released.

Prime Minister John Key saw for himself today the devastation wrought by last week's earthquake in Christchurch's eastern suburbs and acknowledged the hardship faced by residents.

Prime Minister John Key visited Christchurch's hard-hit eastern suburbs today to try and reassure residents they have not been forgotten.

Earthquake victim Shane Tomlin, whose family clung to hope after footage of him pulled from the rubble alive was broadcast around the world, was farewelled this afternoon at a church overlooking the ocean in his family hometown of Kaikoura.

Police have officially released the names of seven more people who died in the February 22 Christchurch earthquake. The death toll now stands at 163.

Half of Christchurch's heritage buildings are in danger of demolition after assessments showing they have severe earthquake damage.

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After 218 hours and nine minutes of desperate searching, hope of finding any survivors among the rubble of downtown Christchurch was officially extinguished.

Searchers are close to entering the collapsed spire of Christchurch Cathedral, where up to 22 people are believed to have been killed during last week's 6.3-magnitude earthquake in Christchurch.

The thoughts of everyone should be with the families of the Christchurch earthquake victims following the change in the search focus today to recovering bodies, says an emotional mayor, Bob Parker.

The Council of Trade Unions is urging Christchurch businesses not to make hasty decisions about closing down permanently.

Earthquake recovery minister Gerry Brownlee has admitted the eastern suburbs of Christchurch have been neglected.

More than a week after the devastating earthquake police are still treating the situation as a rescue mission.

Judge Tony Couch has sent a stern message to Christchurch. Behave in this crisis or face the consequences.