The earthquake that struck Christchurch during lunch hour yesterday was an aftershock seismologists hoped would never come.

North Island hospitals are receiving Christchurch earthquake victims and plan to send specialists to help in the devastated city.

Herald reporter Fran O'Sullivan is in Christchurch for the United States-New Zealand Partnership Forum and was having lunch in the CBD with delegates at the time of the quake.

The Christchurch earthquake death toll already ranks among the highest in New Zealand disaster history.

New Zealand insurers face rate increases of more than 10 per cent for the renewal of their insurance this year, as Canterbury earthquake bill continues to mount.

A Govt package for displaced homeowners is the 'first really positive thing' since the Canterbury quake, a resident says.

Cantabrians forced out of their earthquake-damaged homes are set to get financial assistance and help finding accommodation from the Govt.

The bond forged at Gallipoli is now a dynamic partnership, say Julia Gillard and John Key.

Expat New Zealanders hit by Tropical Cyclone Yasi have joined a growing number of disaster victims denied recovery payments by the Australian Government.

In a rare moment of unity, Australia's political leaders joined to mourn the victims of a catastrophic summer.

Bushfire victim Paul Bosveld saw the remains of his home and said he was 'going to travel through life a bit lighter from now on'.

Firefighters worked throughout the night to control a fierce bushfire, which razed 68 homes near Perth.

Bushfires that destroyed at least 59 Perth homes and forced hundreds of people to flee for their lives continued to burn last night.