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

Unable to run from the tsunami, Lemafa Atia'e, 87, stayed put despite his children pleading with him to come to higher ground.

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.

Aucklanders will be reminded that, like Christchurch, their city is built on a seismic hot spot when Eruption screens on TV3.

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

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

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.