Is there currently much progress in the rebuilding/reconstruction work? I imagine it must be terribly hard given the effects of the strong ground motion and all the aftershocks.

My sister really wanted to go to Christchurch to do an internship in a veterinary clinic there (she's studying to become a vet tech/nurse) but found no clinics that would take her in. So instead she's going to Auckland and Wellington for six weeks, starting in February. (That means I won't have to bother you with endless questions regarding daily life in, and making one's way around Chch, so rejoice :P)