Scientists from New Zealand and the United States plan to map the bottom of Lake Rotomahana in the hope of discovering what happened to the Pink and White Terraces hydrothermal system.

Comedian and actor Robin Williams is to donate the profits from his show in Christchurch to rebuilding the earthquake-hit city.

A "little swarm" of four small earthquakes near Taupo yesterday was not unusual or concerning, a seismologist says.

The EQC has paid out over $145m to residents affected by the Canterbury quake two months ago, but only a small proportion of the claims have been assessed.

Three New Zealand men, missing after Indonesia was struck by a tsunami, have been located and are said to be safe and well.

New Zealand organisation SurfAid has been appointed the lead NGO responsible for running relief efforts for the tsunami-hit islands of Indonesia.