As the country continues to deal with the aftermath of Monday's 7.8 magnitude earthquake, follow RNZ's rolling updates.
Damage on State Highway One near Kaikoura. Photo: AFP
KEY FACTS
- A 7.8 magnitude earthquake at a depth of 15km struck near Hanmer Springs at 12.02am on Monday.
- The quake was initially recorded as 7.5 but was revised by GNS Science. The likelihood of more severe aftershocks has increased as a result.
- There have been two confirmed deaths and more than 20 injuries.
- Thousands of aftershocks have been recorded.
- The inland road route into Kaikoura has been partially re-opened, and an army convoy carrying supplies has been trying to reach the cut-off town.
- Emergency services are aware of the risk of another earthquake and are "ready to go" in Wellington, Fire Service spokesperson Brendan Nally says.
- Ten buildings around Reading Cinema on Courtenay Place have been evacuated, with dozens of people affected. The carparking building at the centre of the scare is to be demolished.
- An official inquiry will take place into the performance of Statistics House, near the waterfront, which has structural damage.
- A 10-storey building at 61 Molesworth St will need to be demolished.
- The government has announced a relief package for businesses in and around Kaikoura.
Live updates from RNZ: