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.

Emotion is fine but cool heads are needed for Christchurch's rebuilding, writes Chris Rattue.

Trapped in excruciating pain for hours while pinned under a concrete wall, Brian Coker wanted a "decent aftershock to finish it". Instead, the 52-year-old says his wife saved by alerting rescue teams to his plight.

New Zealand could make much greater use of satellite images, says Southland group.

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.

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.

Christchurch's damage is on par with Haiti, says Helen Clark.

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.