Latest from Natural Disasters
Heartbreak in the earthquake rubble
Devastated shop owners in Christchurch had to flee as aftershocks interrupted their damage checks.
Christchurch earthquake sightseers risk themselves and others
The growing number of sightseers in central Christchurch are putting themselves and others in danger, say police.
Keep boiling tap water, residents urged
Thousands of Canterbury residents will probably have to keep boiling water until the end of the week to minimise the risk of disease after Saturday's earthquake.
Uninsured face battle for Christchurch earthquake money
An estimated 5000 uninsured homes damaged in the Christchurch earthquake will have to make a case of "true hardship" to be considered for financial help.
Earthquake: Inquiry into gastro outbreak
Two families at a welfare centre in the Christchurch suburb of Linwood are battling gastroenteritis with health authorities concerned the infection was due to contaminated water.
Big aftershock could still be coming
Nearly 100 aftershocks have hit so far hit the Canterbury region, and an expert is warning the biggest one could still be to come.
Heavy rain forces road closures in North Island
Slips and surface flooding are causing havoc for motorists in the lower North Island as heavy rain and gale force winds sweep the region.
Christchurch earthquake, <i>Day 3 updates</i>
Tracking today's events as they happen on Day Three of the Christchurch earthquake disaster.
Key: 100,000 homes damaged in quake
John Key today said an estimated 100,000 homes were damaged by Saturday's 7.1-magnitude earthquake - nearly half of all dwellings in the Canterbury region.
Earthquake victims tell their stories
In Christchurch, everyone has a story to tell. When the quake hit at 4.30am on Saturday, many turned to social media. Read their stories.
Aftershock forces radio station's evacuation
This afternoon's 4.5 magnitude aftershock has pushed a number of damaged Christchurch buildings over the edge, including one housing a leading radio news network.
Quake-hit workers worried about pay
Many central city businesses cannot open until the damage from the earthquake is fully assessed, and some workers are worried about losing pay.
Quake throws lifeline to building industry - Fletcher shares rise
The Christchurch earthquake is expected to provide a much-needed lifeline for NZ's beleaguered construction sector.
Judge warns 'looters' after quake
Anyone caught looting in the wake of Christchurch's devastating earthquake would be harshly treated by the courts, a judge warned today.
Quake could tip over recession-hit businesses
Saturday's earthquake could prove to be the tipping point for some businesses already squeezed by the recession, a Christchurch business leader says.
Lambs drown as rain floods farmland
A severe heavy rain and gale weather warning is in place for much of the country as widespread flooding affects farmers.
Earthquake - how to make an insurance claim
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.
Still no water for 15pc of Christchurch homes
About 60 streets across Christchurch are still without water this morning as aftershocks continue to shake the city after Saturday's earthquake.
Psychologist warns of delayed earthquake trauma
The emotional trauma of the Christchurch earthquake may not surface for weeks or even months, says a psychologist.
Earthquake costs need to be spread - Key
Cabinet will today meet to get an early overview of the damage caused by the Canterbury earthquake, and John Key says the bill outside private insurance and Earthquake Commission funding will be large.
<i>Liam Dann:</i> Disaster forces Govt to spend up
One upside of the Christchurch earthquake is that nature has unleashed the biggest job creation scheme NZ has seen.