Christchurch Earthquake

Businesses in the South hoping for clear direction from the Government in Budget 2012 on the rebuilding of Christchurch after the earthquakes would have been disappointed.

The Government is courting Asian sovereign wealth funds for cash to fund the rebuilding of Christchurch's quake-battered CBD and infrastructure, says Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee.

South Island businesses will be looking for some clear direction on the Canterbury rebuilding in tomorrow's Budget 2012 as it remains one of the Government's four priorities this term, SBS Bank financial officer Tim Loan says.

Two French backpackers have been accused of stealing books from a quake-hit Christchurch library.

The Government is encouraging the Christchurch City Council to partially sell its assets to fund the city's rebuild.

Christchurch residents have until 5pm today to make submissions on the quake city's plan for the year.

Almost 200 more properties in Christchurch have been classified red-zoned, meaning they are not fit for habitation.

Earthquake-battered Christchurch residents are upset that a police officer is suspected of stealing from a quake-affected business, saying it tarnishes the disaster response by other officers.

From sitting in his office on February 22, to the devastation he views as an opportunity, Christchurch dean turned city councillor Peter Beck shared his views on the past 18 months with a group in Dunedin yesterday.

Passenger numbers on the Tranz Alpine tourist train are not expected to fully recover until more hotel rooms become available in post-quake Christchurch.