An 87-year-old war veteran has likened the atershocks from the Christchurch earthquake to the unpredictability of his wartime experiences.

The earthquake that struck Canterbury may be the fifth-most expensive ever for insurers, according to risk management projections.

Round-the-clock patrols will continue as Christchurch moves into a recovery phase.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker says the city has moved from a state of emergency "to a state of urgency" and significant problems remain.

Countries around the world should aspire to be as prepared as New Zealand for massive natural disasters like the Christchurch earthquake.

It can be hard to keep perspective when an incident as devastating as the Christchurch earthquake occurs.

Tracking today's events as they happen on day 12 of the Christchurch earthquake disaster.

Lawrence Smith felt like he was burgling his own company, given just 90 minutes to grab as much gear as he could after the earthquake hit.

The states of emergency put in place after the Canterbury earthquake were this morning extended until midday Thursday.

The Government has taken on sweeping powers to rebuild Christchurch after the earthquake.

Jade software came through the Christchurch earthquake without missing a beat.

Richie McCaw was in Kaiapoi yesterday filming an advertisement to help earthquake victims.

Tracking today's events as they happen on day 11 of the Christchurch earthquake disaster.

Police doing post-quake patrols today came across a man mixing up chemicals to make methamphetamine.

Geotechnology engineers are assessing damage to Christchurch land and are expected to file their reports next week.

A man seriously injured when a chimney fell on him during the Canterbury earthquake has thanked his wife and "heroic neighbours" for saving his life.

Insurers report a surge in inquiries prompted by homeowners' fears they may not be properly covered if a Christchurch-style earthquake hits.