Some Christchurch renters fleeing the shaken city are getting little charity from landlords, who are trying to keep them locked into contracts.

Commitment shown by business leaders to help Christchurch recover is a show of solidarity but also the right call economically, says BusinessNZ chief executive Phil O'Reilly.

John Key indicated last night that Earthquake Commission levies could triple because of the damage caused by the Christchurch earthquake.

As Rob Cope-Williams looks at search and rescue workers picking through the crumbled mess of the CTV building, tears silently roll down his face.

Jayden Andrews-Howland, 14, was on a bus into town and has not been seen or heard of since last Tuesday's earthquake in Christchurch.

166 disaster victim identification (DVI) staff are working in shifts to formally identify victims of the 6.3-magnitude quake.

The death toll has increased to 147, and with more than 50 people unaccounted for, it will be higher than 200, police said tonight.

John Key today launched the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, a global fundraiser for the recovery effort in the city and the Canterbury region.

A leading structural engineer says our cities may have been "a little passive" about strengthening our buildings.

Officials say 'horrendous' injuries are making victim identification difficult, as the massive rescue effort continues.

A round-up of the current situation in Christchurch as rescuers continue scouring the shattered city for survivors.

Damaged Cathedral becomes a rallying point for the people of a hurt and devastated city.

Rapper was meant to be with cousin, who was crushed in quake. But decided not to.

A British backpacker wrote forebodingly of his earthquake fears a few hours before he was killed.