Sewage will flow into the Kaiapoi River for at least another month and it could take a year to rebuild all the area's quake-damaged sewerage systems.

Salamasina Taufua dreads marking the graves of her three children, who died in the tsunami.

Stadium Southland organisers have adopted the slogan "Game on 2012" after having a multi-million dollar insurance claim for their collapsed roof accepted today.

As families and friends prepare for the first anniversary of the tsunami, there is an air of renewed mourning hanging over Samoa.

Kerry and Lynne Martin are unsure about swimming in Samoa after losing their two daughters in the tsunami.

There has been more earthquake activity in Canterbury this morning and overnight with eight strong aftershocks continuing to rattle the region.

Liquefaction was a huge problem, and many hard-hit Bexley residents believe that was because their homes were built on what was once a swamp.

The storm was characterised by powercuts throughout the country, strong winds and even flying trampolines.

At least three aftershocks have hit Christchurch in quick succession this evening, the latest a magnitude 4 quake centred within 5km of Christchurch at a depth of 9km.

To protect the occupants from the elements, tarpaulins are strung up between the poles to create makeshift walls.

Things are looking up for thousands of householders in areas worst hit by the Canterbury earthquake.

A complaint by Paula Bennett over a news item which claimed she offered money to a solo mum is to go ahead.

The Government hopes it will be able to give thousands of Canterbury property owners in the worst earthquake-hit areas some idea of what the future holds by the middle of next week.