Christchurch: return of 60-thousand quake 'refugees'

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Civil Defence says as many as sixty thousand people are expected to return to Christchurch after fleeing the city because of last month's earthquake.

All Blacks to play one off test for earthquake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The All Blacks have announced this morning that they'll play an extra test match this year, to raise money for the rebuild of Christchurch.

Earthquakes cause profit losses at Air New Zealand

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Air New Zealand is warning that it may need to cut some domestic and international routes as it tries to recoup some of its expected losses from the Christchurch and Japanese earthquakes.

Quake victim hopes to leave hospital to attend service

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The memorial service for those who died in the Christchurch earthquake will take place in Hagley Park just after midday today.

Geoff Robinson checks in from Hagley Park

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Church bells will ring worldwide ring for Christchurch today as tens of thousands of people attend today's National memorial service for the victims for the Christchurch earthquake.

Christchurch spirits flagging after weeks of making do

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Most parts of Christchurch damaged by last month's 6.3 earthquake now have power and water.

AMI stadium owner may not insure pitch against further damage

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The owner of Christchurch's AMI stadium is refusing to guarantee it will insure its playing field in future, despite taking a multimillion-dollar taxpayer handout to fix earthquake damage.

Labour says govt cuts will hurt low income earners

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Prime Minister has signalled an election year austerity budget in May because of the Canterbury earthquakes. John Key says the Government needs to cut spending because of quake-related costs and a reduced tax take.

Government accused of slash and burn approach

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Opposition is accusing the Government of a slash-and-burn approach to spending, in the wake of the Christchurch earthquake. Prime Minister John Key says he wants no new spending in this year's Budget, and admits that will mean cuts in some areas.

New Zealanders in London converge to support Christchurch

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Thousands of New Zealanders in London have converged for two events to support earthquake-stricken Christchurch.

Thousands attend Westminister Christchurch memorial

Audio, Radio New Zealand

A memorial service for the 166 victims of the Christchurch earthquake has been held at Westminster Abbey. Attended by the Prince of Wales and the High Commissioner for New Zealander, the ceremony was led by the Dean of Westminster.

Doubt in Christchurch new earthquake agency worthwhile

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Some residents in one of Christchurch's worst affected suburbs doubt a new government agency will help their earthquake recovery. An announcement about a new department is expected within days but some of those still severely affected question the setting up of a new bureaucracy.

Top Stories for Monday 28 March 2011

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Labour MPs say it's important party sticks to strategy, Man shot dead by police near Napier, Thousands attend Westminister Christchurch memorial, Twickenham packed for Crusaders vs Sharks match, Doubt in Christchurch new earthquake agency worthwhile, and Canterbury aged care firms want certainty; families want beds.

Christchurch City Seafood Market may have to lay off staff

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Some Christchurch business owners are criticising the government for winding down the earthquake support package. The Government has extended the package, which pays employees of quake effected business a wage subsidy for two more weeks.

Christchurch businesses says roll-back of support too soon

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Some Christchurch businesses are accusing the government of winding down its earthquake assistance programme too soon.

Uncertain future for Christchurch's hospitality sector

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Among those businesses most affected by the end of the welfare scheme are cafes, restaurants and bars. 100 such businesses have closed in the central city alone because of the earthquake.

Employers and unions say too soon to trim welfare scheme

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Employers and unions in Christchurch say the Government is moving too quickly to reduce emergency welfare payments in the wake of the February earthquake.

MPs pledge no politics but cracks already showing

Audio, Radio New Zealand

MPs are pledging not to let politics get in the way of helping rebuild earthquake-devastated Christchurch.

Christchurch councillor worries residents may be by-passed

Audio, Radio New Zealand

A Christchurch City Councillor is worried the wishes of local residents and the council could be by-passed once the Earthquake Recovery Authority takes over rebuilding the city.

Will Christchurch cross-party forum put politics aside?

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Working alongside the Earthquake Authority will be a cross party forum of local members of parliament.

Christchurch schools make it to Maadi Cup despite quake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

All Christchurch secondary schools involved in rowing have made it to the annual Maadi Cup regatta at Lake Karapiro in Waikato despite major setbacks caused by the February earthquake.

Missing may not be identified after quake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The police say it may not be possible to identify the remains of 12 victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Unidentified quake victims may get Erebus-style mass grave

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Chief Coroner says the remains of 12 victims of the Christchurch earthquake may never be identified.

Bodies of 12 quake victims remain unidentified

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The chief coroner, Judge Neil MacLean, says it may never be possible to put names to the remains of twelve victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Hundreds of Christchurch firms expected to fail post quake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Most Christchurch firms are back on their feet a month after the devastating earthquake, but it remains a difficult city to do business in.

Christchurch schools call for leeway on national standards

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Christchurch school principals say they might not be able to implement the government's national standards properly because of the February earthquake.

Calls for more leeway for Chch over national standards

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Christchurch school principals say they might not be able to implement the government's national standards properly because of the February earthquake.

New audio of Christchurch quake at the moment it hit

Audio, Radio New Zealand

When the destructive February earthquake hit Christchurch, one of our reporters, Bridget Mills, was recording an interview at the very moment the earth started shaking.

Midday News for 4 April 2011

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Treasury warns the Government's books will get worse because of the Christchurch earthquake and schools in Christchurch's eastern suburns fear they will have to lay off staff.

Midday News for 29 March 2011

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Details of the new Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority are announced and Senior Labour MPs meet in Dunedin.