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.
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 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.
A photograph of a Christchurch City Council red sticker. The sticker was used by the Civil Defence after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes to indicate that a building had been inspected and that serious structural damage had been found. The sticker states that there should be no entry to the building. It also states that 'entry may result in death or injury'.
A brick wall has fallen from this house, exposing the rooms within and leaving a pile of rubble in front. The ceiling has slumped and is held up with jacks. The photographer comments, "This was probably the result of the shallower February Christchurch earthquake rather than the bigger September one".
Player for the Blackburn Rovers football team, Ryan Nelson, with LT Gore. Ryan Nelson visited the HMNZS Otago in Lyttelton after the 22 February 2011 earthquake to thank the sailors for their support.
Player for the Blackburn Rovers football team, Ryan Nelson, with LT Gore. Ryan Nelson visited the HMNZS Otago in Lyttelton after the 22 February 2011 earthquake to thank the sailors for their support.
Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, Rhys Jones, speaking to sailors on the HMNZS Otago. The ship travelled to Lyttelton after the 22 February 2011 earthquake to help in the relief effort.
For the first time in November 2011, Christchurch residents finally had the opportunity to see the earthquake-damaged city centre on the Red Zone bus tours organised by CERA. Looking down the new Re:Start Mall as the bus goes down Colombo Street.
A stack of wooden frames with the words "Quake makes world headlines" written on the uppermost frame. The photographer comments, "This is a sculpture at the CPIT facility in Christchurch. It is a series of squares placed over a column with writing on the squares. It is an excellent movable sculpture that conveys the Christchurch earthquake very well. The squares are placed so that they can slide over each other and even fall inside the other on one side. It is a pity that only two sides of the squares are written on".
A water tank outside a New World supermarket providing residents with clean water. The earthquake caused major damage to sewer pipes and pump stations in and around Christchurch.
The damaged Ozone Hotel has had its window frames removed, and the interior has been gutted. The photographer comments, "The Ozone was badly damaged in Christchurch's February earthquake, but at considerable risk someone has removed the windows and door".
A photograph of members of the Wellington Emergency Management Office at a graduation ceremony in the Wellington Town Hall. The volunteers were awarded certificates of appreciation at the ceremony, for their work in the emergency response to the 22 February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch.
A photograph of members of the Wellington Emergency Management Office at a graduation ceremony in the Wellington Town Hall. The volunteers were awarded certificates of appreciation at the ceremony, for their work in the emergency response to the 22 February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch.
People caught up in February's earthquake in Christchurch want to know why a Royal Commission of inquiry isn't going to apportion any blame for building collapses.
One of the most potent symbols of the earthquake has been the massive amount of destruction caused to Christchurch's Anglican Cathedral, including the toppling of its spire.
A debate on the architectural way forward for earthquake hit Christchurch ahead of an exhibition and series of talks initiated by the New Zealand Institute of Architects.
Some children in Christchurch still have quite serious post-earthquake anxiety issues - we hear what to look for and why professional help might be a good idea.
A photograph of the earthquake damage to the Iconic Bar and the former Christchurch City Council offices on Manchester Street. The outer walls of the Council offices and the top storey of Iconic have collapsed, exposing the insides of the buildings. The bricks and other rubble have been cleared from the footpath in front. USAR codes have been spray-painted next to the entrance of Iconic.
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.
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.
Damage to Christchurch city following the 22 February earthquake 2011. A crack in the road where the asphalt has lifted, possibly due to liquefaction. Cones have been placed along the crack to warn drivers of the irregular surface.
A large crack where the foundation of a building has moved away from the adjoining carpark. The photographer comments, "The gap between Robbies restaurant and bar in New Brighton and the car park after the Christchurch Earthquake".
Part of the Kiwi brain drain to Australia, Christchurch artist Mike Hewson prepares to show his new countrymen the impact of the earthquakes on his hometown and his art.
More now on the charter schools which the Government is planning to trial in South Auckland and in some parts of Christchurch, which were hit badly in the earthquake.
Text reads 'Bad news for Christchurch playing fields'. On the left is a man wearing the Canterbury colours and carrying a flag; he looks most upset about the 'AMI Stadium' being red stickered. On the right is a woman of the night in fishnet stockings and a very short skirt who looks very upset as she hears that 'Manchester Street' has been red stickered. The little Evans man in the corner says 'Red light, red carded, from the red zone'. Context - The AMI Stadium was supposed to be the venue for the Rugby World Cup in Christchurch - a decision made on 16 March was made that Christchurch was not in a position to host the RWC. With Manchester St on the city side of Bealey Ave cordoned off, street workers have been working from the residential area between Bealey and Purchas St. and residents are furious. Colour and black and white versions of this cartoon are available Quantity: 2 digital cartoon(s).
The collapse of the Christchurch Cathedral during the devastating earthquake of February the 22nd struck a powerful blow to the core of Canterbury and New Zealand as a whole.
The Prime Minister, John Key, has just announced that a national memorial service to mark the Christchurch earthquake will be held in the city on Friday March the 18th.
Job fears intensify in Taranaki after the breadmaker Yarrows strikes trouble, Rugby World Cup organisers admit tickets are a tough sell, The former Bosnian Serb military commander is taken to The Hague to stand trial for war crimes,If earthquakes weren't damaging enough, jobs go in Christchurch as a bus manufacturer goes into liquidation.
Water tanks on the Sumner Esplanade. Both have prominent notices advising that water must be boiled before use. On one tank is a notice advertising a community hub where residents can get assistance, and on the other is written "Free use of for Christchurch earthquake. Please return to Wymers Domestic Water Carriers, Hamilton".