Midday Report for Friday 25 February 2011

12:58 PM.The Chinese Embassy have grave concerns for 20 students believed to be in the CTV building in Christchurch. Audio

12:56 PM.The burial service is due to start in Hamilton for a New Zealand soldier killed in Afghanistan last week. Audio

12:54 PM.John Hargraves runs an organ installation and retoration company based in Timaru and on the day of the earthquake he had a team of eight working at the Durham Street Methodist Church, two of whom were… Read more Audio

12:51 PM.The Ministry of Education has given schools and early childhood services in Selwyn and Waimakariri the green light to reopen. Audio

12:48 PM.Our reporter Jessica Maddock has been travelling around the badly damaged eastern suburbs of Christchurch. Ferrymead is the worst in terms of liquifaction that's she seen so far. Audio

12:45 PM.The army has moved desalination units into New Brighton and Lyttleton to allow more people to get access to fresh, clean water. Audio

12:41 PM.Health services continue to be stretched in and around Christchurch today. Audio

12:36 PM.In Christchurch Cathedral, it is believed more than 20 people may be buried, and this morning teams of engineers moved in to remove rubble and fallen masonary to allow rescue teams to move in. The… Read more Audio

12:28 PM.A Christchurch business leader says stricken firms urgently require financial relief, to avoid widespread collapses and job losses. Audio

12:25 PM.Economists from the major banks say the Government has room to increase borrowing to meet earthquake costs without levying a one-time tax. Audio

12:22 PM.While more bodies have been collected, they're not being counted towards the death toll until a rigorous identification process has been carried out. Assisting in that process is disaster victim… Read more Audio

12:19 PM.New Brighton residents who are still without power and running water are having to make do with what they can. Audio

12:15 PM.Earlier this morning officials briefed the media on the latest situation with the rescue and recovery operation. Radio New Zealand's head of news Don Rood joins us from Civil Defence Headquarters. Audio

12:12 PM.Engineers have this morning begun removing rubble and fallen masonry from the Christchurch Cathedral, enabling rescue workers to move in. Audio

12:00 PM.Midday Report news bulletin. Audio