Scientists have debunked a prediction that a major earthquake could hit the South Pacific on November 14.

Anyone with damage should lodge claims with the Earthquake Commission within three months.

As New Zealand wakes up to reports of the series of earthquakes to have shaken the country overnight the rest of the world is also coming to grips with the news.

Two people have died and several people suffered non-fatal heart attacks following the main 7.5 magnitude earthquake in North Canterbury.

Scientists investigating the mechanics of the earthquake say it faulted in the same way the February 22, 2011, Christchurch Earthquake did.

A family who fled their New Brighton home with their disabled child have returned to find the property looted.

A Waiau local says roads around the epicentre of this morning's quake are blocked by massive landslides and deep cracks that stretch for miles.

Heavy rain and wind is forecast to batter the upper South Island and lower North Island this afternoon.

Here is everything you need to know in wake of the 7.5 quake.

Reports of damage are emerging and tsunami waves are starting to hit the east coast of New Zealand following a series of strong earthquakes around the country.

It's beginning to feel like summer in some parts of the country, with pohutukawa bursting into bloom. "People have been getting a

The driver of the 4WD which got stuck in a North Canterbury river was breath-tested at the scene, and was over the limit, according to police.

This helicopter tour over the South Island was a star-studded affair.

Thousands of punters turned out for Cup Day in Christchurch today.

The wet and windy spring weather looks set to continue but the warm summery temperatures are coming to an end this weekend.

Fire gutted a classroom at the former Kenmure Intermediate School site in Dunedin this morning.

Elisabeth Easther finds a town full of golden opportunities.

A PhD psychology student drove her unwarranted and unregistered Mercedes Benz through Dunedin streets, while swigging on a bottle of wine.

Hokitika's relocated Pioneer Statue is back in the news again.

AOS members were called out twice in the space of an hour last night to deal with men who were threatening self-harm.

A Hepatitis C sufferer who deliberately flicked blood in a women's face has been charged in Christchurch District Court.

New Westland Mayor Bruce Smith, only a week into the job, has been caught out after delivering a speech using the plagiarised words of the US President.

West Coast author Wendy Scott has picked up a second international award for her teen novel Hieroglyph.

A burglar crawled on his belly inside a Dunedin grocery store to prevent detection from sensor alarms and steal thousands of dollars from its safe.

A motorcyclist has been killed in an accident on the Lindis Pass Tarras Rd in the South Island. A police spokeswoman said the accident

Scientists will reconstruct more than 20,000 years of NZ's ecological history to better understand how our species will respond to climate change.

Ultra-sensitive fibre-optic sensors extending nearly a kilometre below the Southern Alps will transform what we know about one of the biggest earthquake threats facing New Zealand.

Squally thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast to hit the North Island overnight, with a severe weather watch in place.

The majesty of the skies above Tekapo is captivating, writes Sarah Daniell.

The man who helped spear-head the crowd-funding purchase of Awaroa Inlet for all Kiwis is hoping another slice of paradise will remain in NZ hands.