More than five people have died on crashes on SH1 between Picton and Christchurch since it became a main arterial route following the Kaikoura earthquake.
So what's the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern got to look forward to when she's back at work? Construction firms falling over, business confidence at a nine-year low, unemployment rising and New Zealand is desperate need of infrastructure to cope with its 10 percent population shock in the last five years. Welcome back Ms Ardern! Ebert Construction is the latest construction company to go belly-up. The Panelists consider why, when the country needs new buildings the most, construction companies aren't making the grade? Peter Silcock of Civil Contractors talks bout the failing of processes and business models used by building firms. Christchurch central seems to have a business micro-climate. And right now it's chilly. The CBD is nothing like it used to be before the 2011 earthquake and those businesses that re-opened say they really had no choice because of the demands of insurance companies. The Kingsland Business Society in Auckland is offering free child minding for couples who go out for the evening in the suburb. United States federal air marshals now follow seemingly ordinary citizens not suspected of a crime, nor on any terrorist watch list. It's a new surveillance programme called "Quiet Skies" and it collects extensive information on travellers based on their behaviour on flights and especailly in airports.
The cartoon shows Prime Minister John Key as a surgeon in a blood-spattered white coat; he has just created a Frankenstein monster which has resulted in the Minister for Earthquake Recovery Gerry Brownlee and Mayor of Christchurch Bob Parker joined together in a single body named 'CERA". Gerry Brownlee clutches a huge spiked mallet and Bob Parker a paintbrush. Context - a new bill is being rushed through parliament to establish the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (Cera); it empowers it to lead reconstruction efforts in Christchurch. It gives Cera specific powers to get information from any source, to requisition and build on land and to carry out demolitions. It can also take over local authorities if they are not working effectively on recovery work. The monster suggests distinctly differing philosophies on how the work of rebuilding Christchurch should proceed. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).
Building had deteriorated significantly. And now it has been demolished
A page banner promoting an article titled, "New Regent Street: when will it reopen?".
A photograph of the partially-demolished Cranmer Centre. One of the wooden beams has writing on it.
A photograph of the partially-demolished Cranmer Centre. One of the wooden beams has writing on it.
A photograph of the partially-demolished Cranmer Centre. One of the wooden beams has writing on it.
A photograph of the partially-demolished Cranmer Centre. One of the wooden beams has writing on it.
Despite being homeless following the February earthquake, the Canterbury Crusaders have made it through to the finals of the Super Rugby tournament.
The Government seems likely to face higher costs as it looks to strengthen the country's infrastructure in the wake of the Canterbury earthquakes.
The Earthquake Commission has been labelled obstructive after it demanded 24 thousand dollars to provide documents under an Official Information Act request.
It all started two years ago today at 4:36 in the morning, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake shook Canterbury.
The Serious Fraud Office has launched it's first investigation into earthquake insurance fraud in Christchurch which could involve tens of millions of dollars.
The earthquake was felt as far afield as Te Awamutu and Christchurch, with residents from all the places in between describing it as extremely frightening.
More than 18 months since the Canterbury earthquakes the rental property shortage continues to worsen, and there are predictions it won't be easing anytime soon.
The Earthquake Commission says 95 percent of the invoices it gets from contractors repairing houses in Christchurch are paid out within two to three weeks.
The plumbing industry says there is festering discontent in Christchurch, over what it calls unnecessary red tape from the Earthquake Commission.
Thirty to fourty jobs are to go at the Christchurch department store, Ballantynes, because of earthquake damage to it's central city shop.
The Christchurch City Council has been questioned over whether it was playing russian roulette with its citizens with its rules on earthquake prone buildings.
The Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee is defending the time it's taking to get robust information for a full report on the matter.
Christchurch poet Jeffrey Paparoa Holman whose new collection Shaken Down 6.3 looks at the impacts and aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes. It's published by Canterbury University Press.
The 'Ark of Hope' by Wongi Wilson in Sydenham Square, corner of Brougham and Colombo Streets. Fences have been placed around the sides of it.
The Christchurch couple told they can't use part of their property because the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) might need access to it.
A photograph of the partially-demolished Cranmer Centre. One of the wooden beams has writing on it.
A graph showing the results of the survey question, "How long do you believe it will take for Christchurch to be fully rebuilt?".
Looking over the Avon River to the Liquidity Bar and Restaurant. On the walls are spray painted markings left by USAR after it was checked.
Looking over the Avon River to the Liquidity Bar and Restaurant. On the walls are spray painted markings left by USAR after it was checked.
Damage to a building on Colombo Street. It is surrounded by piles of brick and overgrown plants. Part of a graffitied wall is also visible.
Portaloos on the Pine Mound, part of Festival of Flowers. Side view of a portaloo that has some plants and flowers painted on it.