Canterbury Quake: Day five as it happened through the live updates on tvnz.co.nz

A Canterbury MP has told Parliament the rest of the country might not understand the huge emotional impact of Saturday's earthquake and the terror of living through continuous aftershocks.

The Canterbury Earthquake Appeal is the single appeal fund receiving donations to support those affected by Saturday’s earthquake in Canterbury.

Zachary Snyder, 19, of Canterbury, had a loaded handgun in his waistband when he forced his way into a North State Street home last night, police said.

Canterbury’s earthquake immediately hit Eftpos payments in the region with Saturday sales down 43% and Sunday sales down 18% on last year. The $8.1 million drop in both days’ trade sliced a third from the total trade compared to last year.

BP is assuring Canterbury customers they have no need to worry about fuel supplies in the region.

Around 1200 families including many farmers are meeting at Darfield High School tonight, hearing the finer details of a package announced today to help out the rural sector in Canterbury

It has been a fifth night of tremors for people in Canterbury following Saturday's devastating earthquake and aftershocks are expected to continue

All Canterbury schools and early childhood centres will remain closed until next week, as authorities struggle to deal with the aftermath of Saturday's quake.

Continuing live coverage of the aftermath of Saturday's massive earthquake in Canterbury throughout the day on tvnz.co.nz