A coastal town's war memorial has partially crumbled in the Canterbury earthquake, leaving descendants of dead soldiers shattered.

The man who came closest to be killed in last weekend's devastating Canterbury earthquake remains in a serious condition in Christchurch Hospital.

Susan Dent's garden has become soiled with sewage and she may never be able to grow veges in her yard again.

Canterbury tourism officials say the best way people can help is to keep bookings they have made and continue visiting the region.

Cabinet ministers know they have to work miracles in the limited window they have before those affected by the quake tire of their plight and the Government becomes the target of blame for things not being fixed

Dairy owner Suresh Patel was one of the quiet heroes of the Christchurch earthquake. We talk to him.

Children try to come to terms with the fear as they return to school.

Evert and Maruschke Barnard with their daughter Dianthe, who was born during the earthquake. Photo / Alan Gibson

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

A set of "streamlined measures" to deal with the large volume of claims for earthquake damage is being developed, the Government says.

Outrageous Fortune stars lifted the spirits of exhausted linesmen who have been working non-stop trying to reconnect power to quake-hit Christchurch.