Massive earthquakes strikes Christchurch

Christchurch has been shaken by another devastating quake, just as Canterbury was getting back to normal after the September shock.

The second shake - which measured at 6.3 on the Richter scale - has knocked down buildings, with major fatalities expected due to the quake striking in the middle of the day.

The Christchurch cathedral has been extensively damaged, buses have been crushed by falling masonry and rescuers are beginning to pull battered bodies out from under the wreckage.

Latest Videos

Air New Zealand

Check out the latest news about Air New Zealand...

May 23, 2013, 2:14 pm

Tourists still being turfed out of Christchurch Airport
Tourists at Christchurch International Airport are still being told to leave, and not bunk down for the night.
May 23, 2013, 12:05 pm
Cheaper yen attracts record visitors to Japan
TOKYO (AFP) - A record 923,000 foreigners travelled to Japan in April, up 18.
May 23, 2013, 2:46 am
Bryan Seymour
Bryan Seymour is a reporter with Today Tonight in Sydney.
May 22, 2013, 6:35 pm
A-League draw eases pressure on Phoenix
Next season's A-League draw means the Phoenix's All Whites should have an easier time juggling club commitments with World Cup qualifying.
May 22, 2013, 3:26 pm
International glory for Kiwi town
A New Zealand town has scraped into a list of the top destinations in the world, as decided by Tripadvisor users.
May 22, 2013, 2:47 pm
Sanzar mulls sanctions against Henry
Blues assistant Sir Graham Henry's colourful criticism of match officials is being reviewed by Sanzar bosses.
May 22, 2013, 9:53 am
Former Asian phenom takes slow route to golf success
TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's Hideki Matsuyama has bided his time since becoming an amateur sensation, but the newly professional 21-year-old says he is now ready to take on the US PGA Tour and work towards a major title.
May 21, 2013, 3:59 pm
Morning fog disrupts Christchurch flights
Fog has disrupted flights again at Christchurch International Airport.
May 20, 2013, 7:02 am
Crusaders down Blues in New Zealand derby
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand (AFP) - The Canterbury Crusaders outmuscled the Auckland Blues 23-3 Saturday to leapfrog their arch-rivals and claim second spot in the New Zealand Super 15 conference.
May 18, 2013, 10:04 pm
Crusaders beat Blues to maintain momentum
The Crusaders have continued their steady climb up the Super Rugby ladder with a clinical 23-3 win over the Blues in Christchurch.
May 18, 2013, 7:43 pm
Crusaders slap down upstart Blues in soggy Christchurch
(Reuters) - Canterbury Crusaders put the Auckland Blues firmly in their place with a convincing 23-3 victory over their fierce rivals at a rain-soaked Christchurch Stadium on Saturday to move into sec...
May 18, 2013, 7:38 pm
Crusader Ellis to stay in NZ rugby
Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis has committed himself to two more years with the franchise on the eve of his 100th Super Rugby appearance.
May 17, 2013, 4:15 pm
Braid out to end Blues drought in Chch
Luke Braid says missing out on the All Blacks training camps won't be on his mind when the Blues try to end their Super Rugby drought in Christchurch.
May 17, 2013, 3:07 pm
How Super Rugby teams shape up for R14
How Super Rugby teams shape up for R14.
May 16, 2013, 6:13 pm
Crusaders skipper Read ready for action
Crusaders captain Kieran Read is looking to hit the ground running against the Blues on his return to Super Rugby from injury.
May 16, 2013, 2:08 pm
Blues opt for Willison over Saili
The Blues have gone for the more experienced Jackson Willison over All Blacks wider training squad member Francis Saili in midfield against the Crusaders.
May 16, 2013, 12:23 pm
Ryman eyes more land after profit jump
Retirement village operator Ryman Healthcare's annual profit jumps by 13 per cent and it says it will acquire more land to help it grow.
May 16, 2013, 8:17 am
Injured Ellis to miss Champions Trophy
New Zealand all-rounder Andrew Ellis has been forced out of the Champions Trophy squad after breaking his rib while training.
May 16, 2013, 5:41 am