Govt buyout offer for red zoners to expire next week

Audio, Radio New Zealand

As the first of a series of Government earthquake buy-out offers approach their deadline, some home-owners in Christchurch's residential red zone are pleading for more time.

Rain latest woe for Christchurch's quake-damaged homes

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The downpours have added yet another problem for Christchurch residents living in earthquake-stricken homes.

Surge in young Cantabrians seeking mental health help

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The increase began after Christchurch's 2011 earthquakes, but the District Health Board is expecting to face even more challenges following effects of the Port Hills fires and last year's earthquake in Kaikoura.

Christchurch City Council looking at 7 percent rates increase

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Christchurch City Council is proposing a rate increase of more than 7 percent to help cover the rebuild of the city's earthquake damaged infrastructure.

Earthquake Recovery Minister denies central govt takeover

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee is denying accusations he's about to engineer a central government takeover of the rebuild of central city Christchurch.

Jazz Fest to kick off in Christchurch tonight

Audio, Radio New Zealand

After a year's earthquake-enforced absence, the New Zealand International Jazz and Blues Festival is back and opens in Christchurch this evening.

Badly hit Sydenham aims to become revitalised quarter

Audio, Radio New Zealand

One of the Christchurch suburbs badly hit in the Canterbury earthquakes is being rebranded as the Sydenham Quarter - a future haven for artists, artisans and industrialists alike.

Midday News for 18 May 2012

Audio, Radio New Zealand

In today's news, the last two former directors of Bridgecorp are sentenced, and details on the fate of more Christchurch earthquake damaged land.

Demolition prompts hope for damaged Christchurch buildings

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The destruction of the Radio Network building in Christchurch has prompted hopes that explosive demolition could be used to bring down other earthquake-damaged buildings.

Anger, frustration and tears at Sumner residents meeting

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Sumner residents whose properties have been condemned have vented their frustrations at a meeting with the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.

Frustration at lack of answers on foundations

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Some Christchurch residents are frustrated at the time it's taking to work out what sort of foundations their homes will require when earthquake repairs are carried out.

EQC responds to angry Christchurch residents

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Chief Executive of the Earthquake Commission, Ian Simpson, responds.

Extra police provide reassurance on Christchurch streets

Audio, Radio New Zealand

In Christchurch, 75 police officers from across the country remain on the beat, bolstering the local contingent following February's earthquake.

Christchurch's art community struggles to regroup after quake

Audio, Radio New Zealand

A lack of affordable space after Christchurch's earthquake threatens to fracture the city's arts community.

Final unidentified victims of earthquake to be interred

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The unidentified remains of the victims of the Christchurch earthquake will finally be interred just before the first anniversary of the February quake.

Trades people in Christchurch in short supply

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Christchurch trades companies say they are struggling to find experienced staff as the earthquake rebuild begins.

New Fire Service review into Christchurch earthquake response

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Fire Service may have announced another investigation into its response to last year's deadly February earthquake in Christchurch, but there are already claims it won't go far enough although some feel it will indicate the need for a Royal Commission of Inquiry.

CERA says new labelling needed for building safety

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority says the language describing building safety is unhelpful and is worrying people needlessly. The Authority's CEO, Roger Sutton, joins the programme.

Christchurch CBD plan announcement imminent

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Minister for Earthquake Recovery, Gerry Brownlee, is due to give the government's response to the Christchurch City Council's draft central city plan tomorrow.

Chch Cathedral should be rebuilt says visiting expert

Audio, Radio New Zealand

An international expert in earthquake recovery who's touring New Zealand says it's inconceivable to think that a building as magnificent as Christchurch Cathedral won't be rebuilt.

Earthquake simulations to start today near QE II stadium

Audio, Radio New Zealand

A second round of earthquake simulations, using explosives are to begin in Christchurch today; upsetting some residents in the area.

Business leaders happy with plan for Christchurch rebuild

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The creation of a new unit within the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority to oversee the rebuilding of central Christchurch is being welcomed by business leaders.

CBD plan could be boon for business but bad for democracy

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Christchurch City Council's control of the earthquake recovery plan has been taken out of its hands, to the delight of business leaders, but to the chagrin of some local councilors.

Demolition of remainder of Christchurch cathedral begins today

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The spire of Christ Church Cathedral once stood 20 storeys high but was reduced to less than half that by last year's earthquake. Its temporary replacement's construction began yesterday with the first sod turned.

Quake claimants band together to take on insurers

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Frustrated Christchurch residents are banding together to take on their insurance companies, who they say are taking too long to process their earthquake damage claims.

Christchurch people gather to protest earthquake response

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Several hundred people gathered in central Christchurch yesterday to voice their anger at a growing list of complaints about local and central government's response to the earthquake.

CERA says about 100 CBD buildings still to be demolished

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority's chief executive, Roger Sutton.

Christchurch looks to rebuild its tourism potential

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Christchurch hotels lost a million guest nights in the year following the February earthquake, but tourism in the city is now picking up again.

Post earthquake landmark in Christchurch prepares to close

Audio, Radio New Zealand

The Re:Start container mall was one of the first things to pop up in the city's derelict central business district after the February 2011 quake, but now it's preparing to close up shop, as Maja Burry reports.

Six years after quake, stress remains part of daily life

Audio, Radio New Zealand

Six years on from the Christchurch earthquakes, one in five residents of the city say the disaster is still taking its toll. The latest wellbeing survey by the Canterbury DHB found people living in north-east and east Christchurch were the most likely to be suffering from issues such as anxiety, from ongoing aftershocks, being in a damaged environment, and surrounded by construction.