Trapped between two slips and cut off from news of the outside world, traumatised evacuees from Kaikoura tell their stories.

Tourists and locals arrived in Christchurch after long night aboard Navy ship.

Fears today's storm will hamper clean-up efforts in regions devastated by this week's earthquake.

As Govt announces its relief package, Kaikoura businesses spell out what they need to survive.

Brits evacuated from the quake zone grateful to the people of Kaikoura.

The Government is being urged to fund an around-the-clock monitoring and warning system for earthquakes and tsunamis in New Zealand.

Comments by Destiny Church leader Bishop Brian Tamaki outrage rainbow community advocate and human rights commissioner.

Prime Minister John Key has promised fast-track help to keep Kaikoura businesses on their feet.

The change means aftershocks may be larger in magnitude for a longer period of time.

West Coast police today advised motorists to take extra care when driving through the Lewis Pass and Maruia Valley on SH7 and SH65 as traffic numbers build up.

Employers whose staff are struggling to cope following Monday's earthquake are being given advice on how to best support their employees.

Destiny Church's Brian Tamaki has blamed earthquakes on gays, sinners, and murderers.

The latest earthquake again prompted reports of animals behaving strangely just before the main shock hit. What does science say?

New aerial photos show there is much work to be done after Monday's 7.8 quake.

It may be up to a year before the Defence Force can get back into its Wellington headquarters after Monday's earthquake caused structural damage.

Some dairy farmers in the South Island might have to dispose of their milk due to road closures and other issues.

Queen Elizabeth II has sent a message of condolence to the Governor-General of New Zealand.

Acting Civil Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee says the cost of the earthquakes was still to emerge, but it would be in the billions of dollars.

English tourist had just turned in for the night when the earthquake struck. Now the terrified visitor is desperate to get home.

More than 1700 tremors have rocked central New Zealand since Monday - but this constant shaking is normal says scientists.

COMMENT: The navies of the United States, Australia and Canada are joining New Zealand's earthquake relief effort.

As Canterbury Civil Defence declared a region-wide state of emergency, people from around South Island banned together to support those affected by quake.

Kaikoura's tourism industry fears for the future after this week's quake raised the seabed by at least a metre.

Vital supplies are being flown in as Kaikoura has less than 24 hours of drinking water left.

Most phone services affected by yesterday's earthquake have now been fixed, Vodafone says.

A mercy mission into rural quake-hit Marlborough has led to donations for farming communities and offers of help.

Two cattle and a calf which survived yesterday's earthquake should be allowed to retire and live out their days in a sanctuary, animal rights group Peta says.

Red Cross is providing psychological support to communities affected by this week's earthquake, as people prepare to spend another night in welfare centres.

Tourism operators say there have been no reports of cancellations following the earthquakes but the industry is in damage control because of potential damage to NZ's image.

WATCH: When Ben Todd saw water rising towards his family home he knew there was only one thing to do.