The earthquake-shattered main road linking Picton and Christchurch will "definitely" be closed for at least the next six months, the Transport Minister says.

Opening access to SH1 on the south side of Kaikoura will happen "quite a way before we open up to the north", Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has told Kaikoura.

Victoria University earthquake scientist Dr John Townend says Kiwis shouldn't draw any connections between the Japan quake and last Monday's 7.8 Kaikoura quake.

Footpath outside mall closed for building strengthening work.

Restaurant owners affected by the 2011 earthquake travelled to Kaikoura yesterday to share their experiences and offer advice.

Claire Trevett plots the topsy-turvy week of Prime Minister John Key - in which a quake sets the scene.

COMMENT: Blaming quakes on sexual behaviour is a disgraceful insult as our hearts go out to shaken communities.

A free public transport service will roll out tomorrow in Kaikoura to help rural residents get to town.

Emergency supplies have finally landed in a cut-off community just 22km north of Kaikoura.

Acting Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee has been accused of vilifying a Geonet scientist who spoke out about the need for a better tsunami warning system in New Zealand.

How has Kaikoura's world-famous wildlife responded to the 7.8 earthquake? Science reporter Jamie Morton looked at what we know so far.

Just one determined student turned up for the afternoon exams at Kaikoura High School today.

Military personnel have completed their buzziest mission yet after last week's monster earthquake, rescuing 30,000 bees.

What about Brian Tamaki? Can you believe him? Honestly, who does this man think he is? How utterly arrogant of him. In case you

A new video of the Kekerengu Fault shows the shocking damage caused by last week's 7.8-magnitude earthquake on the landscape.

Canterbury University marine ecologist Dr Sharyn Goldstien has been on the ground investigating what the freshly-raised coast at Kaikoura has meant for ocean ecosystems.

John Key said the cost of the earthquake and any resultant economic hits could affect the ability to offer a tax cut programme in the short term

Residents are being warned aftershocks connected to the Kaikoura earthquake will continue for months to years.

Around 50 per cent of buildings in Kaikoura have had their rapid assessment completed.

A visit by one of Kaikoura's world-famous whales has lifted the spirits of the town's quake-struck residents today.

The Ministry of Health says the risk of a gastro bug outbreak in Kaikoura is under control for the time being.

Wellington Harbour has been invaded by five vessels from the US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand navies.

New Zealand is in for a relatively dry day today with areas of morning cloud and isolated showers in the north, clearing around midday and becoming mostly sunny.

Few places in the world can boast the natural wonders of Kaikoura. That all changed in one shaking, shocking minute last Monday morning.

Some of the earthquake relief efforts are wrapping up in Kaikoura.

Rural residents are frustrated at being forgotten almost a week after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake shattered Kaikoura.

British woman Kaikoura Stuart has a message for the people of the town she was named after.

He lost his partner, his home and is sore all over after the weekend's devastating earthquake in the northeastern South Island.

Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Gerry Brownlee said he is disgusted with the people who have looted earthquake victims' homes and a train.

MPI has denied reports it sent a letter to volunteers today stating they can continue moving paua along Kaikoura's coastline - paua should be left where they are.