Cantabrians who lived through the devastating Christchurch earthquakes 10 years ago have been given a message of hope and optimism, amid a day of tears and remembrance. Politicians including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (centre) were among those to attend the ceremony. Photo: RNZ / Hugo Cameron Hundreds gathered to remember the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch at 12.51pm in 2011, claiming the lives of 185 people and forever changing the lives of many others. People filled the memorial park, that looks towards the memorial wall, with some watching from nearby balconies or building windows. On the banks of the Avon, at the National Earthquake Memorial, the names of the dead were read, after a minute's silence.