Hanmer Springs Earthquake

First Person - Earthquakes suck. No two ways about it. But take it from Cantabrian Beck Eleven, time will develop you a decent gallows humour.

Military helicopter flights have left Kaikoura taking tourists out of the quake-hit town to Christchurch. Audio

The Earthquake Commission has already received more than 600 new insurance claims in the aftermath of the 7.5-magnitude earthquake that struck near Hanmer Springs on Monday. Audio

There is still a risk of tsunami being triggered by aftershocks following yesterday's the deadly magnitude 7.5 quake centred near Hanmer Springs, a marine geologist warns. Audio

Thieves have stolen guns from a Nelson home after the occupants had fled during the tsunami alert following yesterday's Hanmer Springs earthquake.

Kaikoura remains shut off, parts of central Wellington are still behind cordons and more wild weather is expected after yesterday's devastating quake. Here's what you need to know.

There is a 32 percent chance of another earthquake of magnitude 7 or more within the next month, GNS says. Audio

Prime Minster John Key says recovery efforts from yesterday's earthquake are well underway in Kaikoura, but the region will suffer economically for some time to come. Audio

Kaikoura man Kevin Keehan travelled by truck, tractor and helicopter on a cross-country trek to find his family after the earthquake.

The damage to Kaikoura is worse than he thought, Prime Minister John Key has said, after flying over the region. Video

As strong aftershocks continue, we look back at stories of homes destroyed, animals driven mad and a potential billion-dollar clean-up bill. Video, Audio

A severe earthquake, centred near Hanmer Springs, has shaken much of the country and has been followed by numerous aftershocks today.

Wellington's central business district is expected to reopen tomorrow, says the city's mayor. Video, Audio

First Person - Having experienced the Canterbury earthquakes, Mike Crean feels a desperate sadness for those affected by today's shaking.

"Keep Calm and Carry On" is much overused but, boy, it's perfect for this situation. Video

The midnight earthquake affected people up and down New Zealand - followed by ongoing strong and severe aftershocks. Video

There have been several strong jolts in New Zealand since the deadly February 2011 Canterbury quake, but today's was the strongest. Audio

Today's earthquakes threw schools into turmoil in much of the lower North Island and upper South Island.

The national controller for Civil Defence is confident support is getting through to Kaikoura, which appears worst hit by last night's 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

There have been two fatalities after a series of huge earthquakes overnight, Prime Minister John Key says. Video