On the 10th anniversary of the earthquake, a memorial service is acknowledging all those affected by the quakes and those who helped in the aftermath.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Dame Patsy Reddy were among those attending the memorial service. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
Watch the Canterbury earthquake national memorial service here:
Hundreds are gathering by the Avon River for the service, opposite the Oi Manawa memorial wall.
Flags of many nations are flying above the stage.
Volunteers are handing out bouquets and wreaths of flowers as army, navy, and ambulance staff watch over the service from the back.
Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern were in attendance.
The Prime Minister paid a special tribute to the children who lived through the Canterbury earthquakes, saying their generation will create a legacy.
Jacinda Ardern said the earthquake and aftershocks affected people in complex and diverse ways.
Ten years on some people are still living their daily lives with the long shadow of that day, she said.
She made special mention of the children who lived through the quakes and its aftermath.
People throw flowers into the River of Flowers. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron
Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel paid a special tribute to the families of overseas victims of the city's earthquakes.
Dalziel also made a special mention to the families of the Japanese victims who died in the quake, who could not make it to New Zealand this year.
She said she has been moved by the stories she has read and seen in the lead up to today.
Crowds begin to gather at the Canterbury Earthquake Memorial ahead of the 10 year anniversary service. Photo: RNZ / Belinda McCammon
See RNZ's full coverage - Christchurch earthquake:10 years on