Latest from Natural Disasters
Canterbury quake may have been on 'new' fault line
Geologists say today's earthquake had an epicentre 10km south-east of Darfield, but so far they have not been able to link it to a known fault line.
PM speaks from heart of crisis zone
Prime Minister John Key has completed a flyover of Christchurch in order to assess the damage wreaked by this morning's earthquake.
Christchurch earthquake: Word from the epicentre
Residents of Darfield - the epicentre of the quake - share their stories of what it was like when the big one hit.
Christchurch quake: Power, weather fears grow for farmers
Looming bad weather and a fear that electricity may be out for days is worrying Canterbury farmers in the wake of this morning's quake.
Christchurch earthquake - the aftermath
Photos from the 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Christchurch this morning.
Caravans dip into craters in earthquake-hit motor camp
Craters opened up at a Kaiapoi motorcamp during this morning's earthquake, with caravans sinking up to their axles.
Earthquake claims bill could hit $2 billion
The cost of damage from today's devastating quake could be as much as $2 billion, Earthquake Commission chief executive Ian Simpson says.
<b>Christchurch quake: What's working and what's not</b>
Services and infrastructure in Christchurch have been seriously affected by this morning's quake. Here is the current situation.
Christchurch quake: The facts
Read the facts about this morning's quake, Christchurch's faultlines and the many aftershocks that have rocked the city.
Historic Temuka pub damaged by quake
An historic pub in the South Canterbury town of Temuka has been badly damaged by today's earthquake and the proprietor is unsure when it will reopen.
Christchurch earthquake: Tale of a damaged city
It struck in the wee small hours, a rumbling roar and intense swaying that lasted for the best part of a minute.
Mayor: Quake hit city 'like an iceberg'
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says there is "significant structural damage" to his city after this morning's 7.1 quake, with some eastern suburbs facing possible evacuation.
Earthquake: Keep cellphone calls short, or use SMS
Vodafone is advising customers in Christchurch to keep cellphone calls sort, or preferably use SMS messages.
New Zealand's biggest earthquakes
The magnitude 7.1 earthquake which struck Christchurch about 4.30am today rates among the top dozen to hit New Zealand.
Christchurch earthquake: I'm lucky to be alive
Christchurch residents are recounting terrifying ordeals during this morning's 7.1 magnitude earthquake.
NZ to spend $3.5m on Pacific tsunami system
The Govt will spend $3.5m to upgrade tsunami warning systems across the Pacific, Murray McCully announced today.
Hurricane Earl
Thousands of residents and visitors have been ordered to evacuate an island on the North Carolina coast, as Hurricane Earl swings towards mainland USA.