A student volunteer army set up overnight is already knocking on the doors of quake and flood stricken houses around Wellington's Victoria University.

Emergency services responded to landslides in Wellington area as wild weather brings flooding and slips to the quake-hit region.

Our photographers and reporters share some of the images captured after yesterday's quakes.

New Zealand Post is warning that some mail will be delayed in areas hit by this week's earthquakes.

A string of motorists is stranded on State Highway 2 as authorities across the Wellington region prepare for evacuations.

There are reports that a floor in Statistics House has pancaked onto the one below. Staff won't be returning for up to a year.

Preliminary modelling suggests that the earthquake was caused by a rupture of a northeast-striking fault t, but this may be a more complex event.

Wellington CBD is open for business, but workers should check with their employers before heading into town for work.

More misery ahead for victims of yesterday's quake as bad weather moves in.

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

The Clarence River has burst its banks, with residents being told to move to high ground immediately, as aftershocks continue to rock the country.

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

Even buildings that have been deemed "safe" after an earthquake can have internal damage, Quake Protected says.

An Australian family in New Zealand for a holiday are astounded at the "generosity" of Wellingtonians following the earthquake. Sandra

There's a 12 per cent chance of a big quake hitting before midnight. That's the prediction from government scientists GeoNet.

The aftermath of this morning's earthquake has left the home of Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper trashed.

Circle_see_more_DP.epsmattmartinsmile.epsFUTURE FOCUS: Members of the American Council of Young Political Leaders visited Rotorua

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges is one of the few people working in Wellington's central business district following a large 7.5 earthquake

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.

Newstalk ZB listeners share their stories of the night.

Scholarship exams have been cancelled, but NCEA exams can go ahead in schools if they are not earthquake damaged, NZQA says.

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

Interislander ferry sailings have been cancelled, along with all trains on the North Island Main Trunk Line south of Palmerston North.

A decision will be made after daylight whether exams will still go ahead at Massey University's Wellington and Palmerston North campuses.

People who usually work in central Wellington are strongly urged to stay home today following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Primary responsibility for civil defence emergency management at a local level rests with your local council.

Buildings in the Capital's CBD are damaged and workers have been told to avoid the area. Rail services have also been cancelled.

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