Powers now transferred to CERA by law

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Canterbury earthquake authority has now been legally vested with the extraordinary powers given to the Government under the state of national emergency declared after the February disaster.

Christchurch shaken by yet another strong aftershock

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Christchurch has been shaken by another strong aftershock. A magnitude 5.5 earthquake hit ten kilometres east of Lyttleton harbour.

Top Stories for Monday 17 October 2011

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Post analysis of last night's All Black victory over the Wallabies and a look at the challenges ahead against Les Bleus; various looks at the Rena including mitigation of environmental impact and a 'please explain' summons to the lessees by the Transport Minister and; the Canterbury earthquake's Royal Commission hearings begin.

GNS faces tough questions at Royal Commission hearing

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Scientists from GNS Science have faced tough criticism at the Royal Commission into the Canterbury earthquakes, being accused of funneling resources into the wrong areas and giving vague advice on earthquake risks.

Broken River

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Days after Christchurch was devastated by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake, Simon Morton traverses the city, using the Avon River as his route, and finds everyone has a story to tell.

Broken River - extended version

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Days after the city of Christchurch was devastated by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake, This Way Up's presenter Simon Morton traverses the city using the Avon River as his route. Travelling on a bicycle from the source of the Avon in the West to Heathcote Estuary in the East, where the Avon meets the Pacific, everyone has a story to tell.

GNS questioned on amount of warning given prior to quake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The warnings, or lack of them from the government's scientists about the likely size of aftershocks following the first Canterbury earthquake have been a focus of the Royal Commission into the quakes.

Expert says developers should be required to submit soil rpts

Audio, Radio New Zealand

A geotechnical expert from the United States has told the Royal Commission into the Canterbury Earthquakes, developers should be required to submit soil reports before building on land prone to liquefaction.

Christchurch council grilled over buildings at quake commission

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Christchurch City Council has faced tough questioning at the Royal Commission into the Canterbury earthquakes over its role in ensuring buildings are earthquake strengthened.

Earthquake documentary opens in Christchurch cinemas

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The first full-length film documenting the lives of those affected by the Canterbury earthquakes had its premiere in Christchurch last night.

Ballantynes celebrate reopening of Christchurch store

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Two weeks after re-opening, the landmark Christchurch department store, Ballantynes has thanked staff, contractors and customers for their hard work and loyalty since the February earthquake forced it to close.

Arts festival heralds return of culture to Christchurch

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The first major arts event to be held in Christchurch since the February earthquake kicks off today.

Family of quake victim call for action over access to Lyttelton

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The family of a man killed while trying to reach his family after the February earthquake in Canterbury wants the Christchurch City Council to ensure people in Lyttelton are not cut off again.

Johnny Moore : playing favourites

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Johnny Moore is the owner of the Goodbye Blue Monday bar in Christchurch, which has been closed since the 22 February earthquake. He talks to Kim about the turbulent times since then and his career in the hospitality industry.

Jane Bowron

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Columnist on her observations on life in Christchurch after the September and February earthquakes.

'White Lights of Hope' shine from Cathedral Square

Audio, Radio New Zealand

At one minute to seven last night, two beams of light were switched on to commemorate the anniversary of the first Canterbury earthquake.

Earthquake appeal trust allocates money to quake needs

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust has spelled out how it will allocate almost 70 million dollars in quake donations.

Deconstruction of central Christchurch back on track

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The removal of rubble from the earthquake-stricken centre of Christchurch will start again today, once the worst of the ice in the central city melts.

Concerns raised over training of NZ structural engineers

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Auckland structural engineer John Scarry is concerned that the series of investigations into earthquake related collapses of Christchurch buildings won't result in the changes needed to make the city safer.

Almost six months after quake, some remains unidentified

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Almost six months after the devastating earthquake which killed 181 people in the Canterbury, there are still human remains yet to be identified and buried.

Lyttleton community plans to be self reliant to safeguard food

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The community of Lyttelton, severely cut off from Christchurch access routes during the earthquakes, is planning to become more self reliant.

Snow means students miss out on precious exam prep

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Heavy snow is forcing schools to close across the country. It's a double blow for Canterbury students who have already lost weeks of precious school time due to the earthquakes.

District councillor backs Kaiapoi to pull through

Audio, Radio New Zealand

People in the Canterbury town of Kaiapoi say they are determined to preserve their community despite learning yesterday hundreds of earthquake-damaged homes will have to go.

Another Christchurch hotel will be pulled down

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Another landmark hotel in Christchurch has been condemned because of earthquake damage.

Govt reconsiders legal aid for quake families

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Attorney General, Chris Finlayson, says he'll reconsider funding legal representation for the families of the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Govt reconsiders legal aid for quake families

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Attorney General, Chris Finlayson, says he'll reconsider funding legal representation for the families of the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Quake families say lack of legal help leaves them without voice

Audio, Radio New Zealand

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.

Famous pie recipe under hammer for earthquake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

In June, the Hororata hotel in Canterbury closed after it became clear there was no economic way to repair damage caused by the September earthquake.

Bob Parker on the Christchurch earthquake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

We're joined by the mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker.

Parklans residents shaken by earthquakes

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Residents in the Christchurch suburb of Parklands say their area should be made a red-zone.