 
            
          Harrowing details of the final moments of some of those who died in February's devastating earthquake have been spelled out at a coroner's inquest in Christchurch.
The first day of a coroner's inquest in Christchurch has heard harrowing details of the final moments of some of those who died in February's earthquake.
Economics Correspondent Nigel Stirling talks about expectations from the Government's economic package to be announced this afternoon to help meet the cost of the Christchurch earthquake.
The Prime Minister has confirmed the Government is looking at cuts to the Working for Families package to help pay the costs of the Christchurch earthquake.
Earthquake Minister Gerry Brownlee says its taking too long to consent new sub divisions in Christchurch. The sharemarket and dollar fall following turmoil on world markets.
Christchurch residents who've finally been allowed in to the earthquake ravaged inner-city redzone say the devastation was far worse than they had ever imagined.
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".
Photograph captioned by Fairfax, "Christchurch Earthquake 22 February 2011. People flocking to Liquor King on Stanmore Road where they were selling beer for $1 per bottle."
An ambulance parked next to a Boeing 757 at the Christchurch Airport. The Boeing is carrying rest home residents affected by the 22 February 2011 earthquake.
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".
A New Zealand soldier killed in Afghanistan last week has been laid to rest in Hamilton but without full military honors because of the Christchurch earthquake.
The families of some of those killed by falling rubble in February's Christchurch earthquake are desperate to know why buildings that had been deemed safe collapsed.
The family of a young man who died while protecting his sister during February's earthquake in Christchurch says the building they were in wasn't safe.
Insurance premiums look set to rise by up to a third and even more to meet the cost of the Christchurch earthquakes and other disasters overseas.
Labour's four MPs in Christchurch are stepping up the pressure on the Government to front up quickly about what earthquake damaged land has to be abandoned.
Today marks one week since the devastating earthquake struck Christchurch and overnight, the death toll from the rubble has risen. 154 bodies have now been recovered.
Anglican and Catholic churches will unite today, holding services with cathedral bells tolling throughout the country in remembrance of those who died in the Christchurch earthquake.
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.
The Social Development Minister says staff are having to be flexible when deciding what financial support those caught up in the Christchurch earthquake are eligible for.
A controversial oil and gas drilling technique that some say is capable of causing small earthquakes, could soon be in use on the outskirts of Christchurch.
A spokesperson for the families of the victims of the Christchurch earthquake says without legal representation their voice will not be heard during the Royal Commission.
Despite Government attempts to play down reports that officers of the Israeli security agency Mossad were caught up in the Christchurch earthquake, several questions remain today.
Photograph captioned by the New Zealand Defence Force, "Chief of Defence Force, Major General Rhys Jones on an operational tour of earthquake affected areas of Christchurch".