The 12th anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake was marked with a memorial service held on Wednesday, 22 February noon with families of victims returning for the first time since the pandemic border restrictions were put in place three years ago. The service at the Oi Manawa Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial began with one minute’s silence at 12.51 pm.

The earthquake, which struck on 22 February 2011, at 12:51 pm local time, caused widespread damage across Christchurch, killing 185 people.

The rainy afternoon saw families of the people who died in the earthquake, joined by firefighters, other agencies, and people from the general public to remember and honour those who lost their lives. There was no ceremony held last year due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

The names of the 185 people who lost their lives were read, and a bell rung for each of them. The mayor Phil Mauger briefly addressed the gathering, which was followed by a sombre performance from St Peter’s school choir.

The mayor of Christchurch, Phil Mauger, spoke at the ceremony and expressed his gratitude for all those who had come to help during the city’s time of need. He emphasised the importance of community support during tough times and urged everyone to remember the loved ones lost and the support that helped them get through the disaster.

“We remember with great gratitude all those who came to help.

“In Christchurch, we know what it means for the community to come together to help people.

“That is what makes us stronger as a community and helps us get through the really tough times.

“Today, let us remember the loved ones we lost, but let us also remember the support we received that helped us get through.”

The anniversary was also marked by wreaths being laid at the memorial and flowers being cast into the Avon River.

Global Voices, an a cappella choir, also held a public memorial performance at 7:30 pm at the “185 Empty White Chairs” installation.

The “185 Empty White Chairs” installation has 185 chairs, each one unique, to symbolise the individuality of the people who died in the Christchurch earthquake. The chairs are placed at the corner of Manchester and Kilmore Streets.