Tens of thousands of people gathered in Hagley Park during a civil memorial service where the names of the 185 victims of the earthquake were read aloud on Wednesday.

Their names were followed by two minutes of silence at 12:51pm - the exact time the magnitude 6.3 quake struck a year go.

Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, Prime Minister John Key, MPs and ambassadors attended the service.

The anniversary day was also an opportunity to recognise the heroes of the earthquake, with 140 people and organisations receiving Christchurch Earthquake Awards.

A commemorative service for the families of quake victims was held at Latimer Square on Wednesday morning.

Prime Minister John Key told the 500 people at that service that it was both a day to remember those who were lost, and a day to look forward to what Christchurch could become in future.
 

• More coverage from Christchurch, one year on from the February 22, 2011 quake
• Watch the full video of the 12pm Hagley Park memorial service