Thousands of friends, family and residents of Christchurch have gathered to remember the 185 people who should still be here.
A minute's silence was held at 12:51pm near the Montreal St site where a new memorial has been built to mark six years since the devastating quakes.
Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy, read a message on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II.
"There will be difficult and painful memories, but also memories of many heroic and selfless acts, of the caring and creative nature of the Christchurch people and of the help that came so readily from the emergency and rescue personnel," it said.
"I hope that the new memorial will provide a place to remember; to grieve for what is lost and to give thanks for what remains. I am sure it will be particularly special place for the families of those who lost their lives, for those who were seriously injured in the earthquakes.
"They will be joined by many others from New Zealand and around the world who wish to pause and reflect on that difficult time."
The day marks the public unveiling of the brand new memorial wall that cost $11 million to build and reads the names of all victims on February 22, 2011.
Prime Minister Bill English, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy are among the attendees.
"For years to come people will come to this place to remember and honour your loss as we hope today that this memorial of hopes will stitch up the ragged edges of broken hearts," Mr English said.
"You can know that the memories of your loved ones are at the foundations of this renewed city. May the living live with hope and those who have died rest in peace."
Newshub.
