As Crown Fibre Holdings weighs up 14 short-listed bids for a share of the ultra-fast broadband (UFB) network, it said yesterday it was ready to negotiate with contenders in three regions.

Nelson firm wants to see its high-definition webcams used around the globe.

New Zealand businesses are stepping up and helping out Christchurch earthquake victims.

Crown Fibre Holdings has prioritised three regional deals in its short list for the government funded roll-out of an ultra-fast broadband network.

The battle to win $1.8b of government money now features in TV advertisements - although I imagine many watching them will be left scratching their heads.

Christchurch was "inevitably going to be brought to its knees" by an earthquake because of the nature of the ground it stands on, a scientist says.

"It's essentially a ghost town. You can see utter devastation," said Prime Minister John Key.

"It was like a giant had picked up our house and was just shaking it, shaking and shaking," said one resident.