NZ's Civil Defence team was back on the move in flood-ravaged Queensland today after spending a frustrating day off confined to one of the state's isolated communities.

The NZ Civil Defence team helping residents of flood-stricken Queensland has been forced to return to the town of Condamine, as more floods again hit the town they had just left.

New Zealand will send a Civil Defence emergency response team to flood-ravaged Queensland.

New Zealand civil defence officials are to have access to American experts 24 hours a day.

Whitebait caught from sewage-contaminated rivers could end up on the plates of unsuspecting diners at restaurants and cafes.

Canterbury tourism officials say the best way people can help is to keep bookings they have made and continue visiting the region.

Bart Visscher, co-founder of software company Emendo, has had his business tested on several fronts by the Canterbury earthquake.

A second big earthquake in three days sent lower North Island residents scrambling for cover.

In the wake of the Christchurch earthquake, nervous Welly dweller Pat Pilcher looks at some useful gadgets for your survival kit.

At least 22 commercial properties and 50 homes in the small quake-damaged North Canterbury town of Kaiapoi have been deemed unsafe, with its mayor admitting the town is changed forever.

Most schools in the quake-devastated Canterbury region are not likely to open until Monday, the Education Minister says.

The final bill for the Christchurch earthquake may reach $4 billion, almost double initial estimates, Treasury Secretary John Whitehead said afternoon.

Aftershocks are continuing to hit Canterbury with one measuring 4.1 the latest in a series today that also included a 5.1.