Customers of BNZ and Kiwibank may face delays in getting through to the lenders, with both banks' primary call-centres based in Wellington.

A search is underway for six kayakers after kayaks and other gear was found abandoned on the flooded Clarence River just before 5pm. A

Most schools will open tomorrow, following hundreds of closures after the quake.

What you need to know about the earthquake and tsunami and what people in the above coastal areas should do.

Today's earthquake can trigger emotional trauma for Cantabrians even though there's been little physical damage in Christchurch, a psychologist says.

Power is gradually being restored in Kaikoura, but sewerage systems and water supplies are still down and it could be days before they are back up and running, Civil Defence says.

The Sky Tower will be lit in black and white tonight, as a mark of solidarity with the rest of the country following today's earthquakes. Acting

A 100-year-old woman and her daughter-in-law were rescued from the rubble of an historic homestead, while her son tragically did not make it.

Students at an Auckland school were 20 minutes into their history scholarship exam this morning before it was cancelled.

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.

Rare November snow is forecast for the South Island with road snowfall warnings issued for some alpine passes.

Mainfreight managing director Don Braid says he will take on more trucks and ships in the lead-up to what he expects to be record

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