The home of TV producer Donna Manning, missing in the Canterbury TV building, has been burgled overnight.

A solo mum, her children were yesterday keeping a vigil outside the building when the house was robbed, her brother Maurice Gardiner told TV1.

Mr Gardiner said the actions of "some uncouths" had increased the suffering of Manning's family.

"Bad things happen. We are all suffering bad things as a result of this earthquake that we can't help."

While people across the city were suffering, he said many were in the position that their valuables had been left in the open.

He pleaded for respect from the "criminal element".

"Just respect, if you know what that means."

Gardiner said Manning's family continued to pray that she would be found.

"We of course pray that she will be found alive. We are prepared for the worst."

Gardiner said a trust was being set up for Manning's children at Kiwi Bank, as their extended family felt they needed to do something to help.