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.

The Government was this afternoon waiting for details of deaths in Christchurch and a second emergency cabinet meeting will be held tonight.

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.

Gerry Brownlee has rejected claims he told Canterbury residents that selling their quake-damaged homes would be the best way to withdraw equity.

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.