Te tiro whakamuri kia haere whakamua. I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.
This was the theme of a memorial held in Christchurch on Monday to mark the 10th anniversary of the devastating quake that killed 185 people and injured many more.
The city stopped to remember the moment a 6.3 magnitude quake struck in 2011, destroying thousands of buildings and homes.
Along with paying tribute to the fallen - and the brave survivors and first responders - we will all remember the 11,000 aftershocks that rattled and tore through Christchurch in the hours, days, months that followed the "big one" - further disrupting and damaging the city and its people.
The opening karakia and mihi whakatau was delivered by Dr Te Maire Tau, Upoko, Ngāi Tūāhuriri.
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel: "compassion and humanity enables hope"
The mayor began by acknowledging the families of the dead - and those whose injuries and trauma from the day "created scars seen and unseen".
"And I acknowledge those who came to rescue people with courage and compassion," she said.
"We have all been moved by the stories we have heard and seen in the lead up to today, and we thank you for sharing them with us all.
"As the Memorial Wall states: we remember those who died, those who were hurt and those who experienced loss.
"We offer our thanks to those who came for us, to those who risked their lives for ours, and to those who supported us.
"Together we are stronger."
Dalziel revealed that the theme of today's service was chosen by the Quake Families Trust.
"This whakatauki invites us to walk towards the future with our eyes on the past," she said.
"For me this reminds us of the importance of learning the lessons of that day so the world we live in is a safer and better place.
"That is how we honour the memory of all that was lost a decade ago and build a legacy for the future.
"And as we look to our future, we can always be reassured by the way our communities came together and continue to come together, and the love and support we receive from around New Zealand and across the world.
"We feel that today, and are grateful indeed.
"It is this compassion and humanity that enables hope and optimism to shine through even the most challenging of times."
She finished by acknowledging the Quake Families Trust, saying they had "contributed so much over the past 10 years to keep the memories of their loved ones alive, and who help us come together on each anniversary of February 22, 2011".
Quake Families: Our loved ones have become the memories
Quake Families Trust Committee member Professor Maan Alkaisi spoke on behalf of the community hardest hit by the disaster.
"We remember our loved ones who we lost … who we miss dearly," he said.
"It is hard to realise that our loved ones who we shared the beautiful memories with - have become the memories."
He spoke of the special friendship formed between the families irrespective of their culture or background.
"Today reminds us of our responsibility to make sure we learn from this tragic experience and honour those lovely people we lost by ensuring their dreams are kept alive."
A minute's silence was observed from 12.51 - the moment the deadly quake struck exactly 10 years ago.
First responders and members of the community then read the names of the 185 victims as they appear on the memorial wall.
The full list is published below.
A poignant poem
Following the sad reading of the names, Julie Hibbs and Vanessa McGregor read a poem at the service.
Hibbs lost her mother Heather Marilyn Meadows in the CTV collapse and McGregor her grandfather, Barry Craig, in the PGC building.
The women read "I Live On".
Governor-General Dame Patsy Reddy: A message from Her Majesty
Dame Patsy delivered a message from Queen Elizabeth.
"On the 10th anniversary, as you gather to remember those lost and reflect on the devastating effects… my thoughts are with you all," said the Queen.
"The loss of life was both sudden ad tragic, profoundly affecting many people in New Zealand and around the world.
"While there are may sad memories of that terrible time there is also solace in remembering how your community rose to the challenge.
"You displayed great fortitude in the face of sudden overwhelming loss.
"My prayers are with all those marking today's solemn anniversary."
Parker had a message read by Dalziel at the service.
Sir Bob is currently in a hospital care facility in Christchurch after suffering a heart attack, which was followed by a stroke late last year.
Sir Bob is attending today in person, with his wife Lady Jo Nicholls-Parker, having said earlier he was determined to make it to the service despite his health issues.
"Today I feel sad and humble, but also very proud to be sitting alongside you as we remember the horror of that dreadful day 10 years ago," he said.
"It was a nightmare that was delivered on that mild sunlit late summer's day – a moment that changed everything and everyone forever - a moment that caused a level of destruction and casualty that none of us will ever forget."
The Prime Minister has given a moving address at the memorial - saying it was a chance for all of us to remember those lost and "stand with the families, loved ones and friends who grieve them".
"In some respects, 10 years sounds a long time," she said.
"But for many it will feel like just yesterday that Christchurch, and indeed New Zealand, was rocked by the events of February 22.
"The earthquake and aftershocks affected people in complex and diverse ways.
"The toll could not have been more significant, and daily reminders made it harder – a fractured landscape, aftershocks, struggling friends and neighbours, and children with deep and unseen scars.
"Ten years on there will be people still living their daily lives with the long shadow of that day."
Ardern said she wanted to take the opportunity today to speak to all those who still felt "overwhelmed, uncertain, sad, tired or anxious".
"You survived an event which by rights should not occur in anyone's lifetime," she said.
"I hope you find the space to be kind to yourself, as you've no doubt been to others who you knew were carrying the same burden.
"To those who lost loved ones, the grief has been even more immense.
"Today we not only mark the loss of 185 lives, but we remember and celebrate those people - the joy they gave, the memories made, the lives they lived.
"Haere haere, haere atu ra."
Ardern said she remembered "clearly" how the rest of New Zealand threw its support behind Canterbury after the quake "raising funds, holding tributes, downing tools during moments of silence".
"We all felt so keenly the enormity of what had happened," she recalled.
"It's the Kiwi way to be stoic, and sometimes the pressure to "be okay" or to have "moved on" with the passage of time can feel very pronounced.
"But healing takes time, and even as time has passed, none of us will forget."
The Prime Minister also acknowledged all past and present members of the Quake Families Trust - which she said had provided significant support over the last decade, and helped shape the annual commemorations.
"I want to acknowledge all those who were part of relief efforts on or after February 22 - emergency service staff, the Christchurch mayor and city councillors, ministers, international diplomats and family and friends of all involved," she continued.
"And I'd like to acknowledge the children who lived through the earthquake and grew up in its aftermath.
"Some of these children will be teenagers now, or have left school and started jobs or university.
"I have in the past called this the generation of the rebuild.
"But they are also the generation that will create a legacy."
She also made special mention of the 87 foreign nationals who died in the quake.
"The families of these 87 may not have been able to be here today due to travel restrictions," she said.
"Our flags fly at half-mast for them today too.
"It's been a hugely difficult decade for this city - at times I'm sure it's felt impossible.
"But as we look ahead to the coming decade, I see hope and energy and optimism, and I see Christchurch taking its rightful place amongst New Zealand's best and brightest cities."
Ardern closed her address by reading an excerpt from a poem by Helen Lowe, from Leaving the Red Zone, an anthology of Earthquake poetry.
"The poem, titled The Sparrows, talks about how birds were absent in the city following the earthquake, and the silence where birdsong used to be," said Ardern.
"I threw old bread onto the island of grass in our own grey sea and waited….and waited.
And then, finally, they came
"Their wings clouding the sun."
After Ardern finished speaking a closing karakia was spoken and then the official party laid wreaths at the wall, accompanied by piper Elizabeth McCarthy playing Mist Covered Mountains.
Today we remember the 185 people who lost their lives on 22.01.2011
As at February 9, 2012, the official earthquake toll was 185 victims.
115 people died in the Canterbury Television (CTV) building
18 people died in the Pyne Gould Corporation (PGC) building
8 people died on buses in the central city
28 people died in other areas of the central city
12 people died in suburban locations
The majority of victims were identified through the police disaster victim identification process, or were visually identified at Christchurch Hospital.
Dr Maysoon Mahdi ABBAS, age 61
Lalaine Collado AGATEP, age 38 (female) from the Philippines
Dr Husam Sabar AL-ANI, age 55 of Christchurch (a NZ citizen from Iraq)
Jane-Marie ALBERTS, age 44 of Christchurch
Mary Louise Anne Bantillo AMANTILLO, age 23 (female) of the Philippines
Emmabelle Cabahug ANOBA, age 26 (female) of the Philippines
Jayden Brytane ANDREWS-HOWLAND, age 15 of Aranui, Christchurch
Marina ARAI, age 19 (female) of Japan
Linda Isobel ARNOLD, age 57 of Christchurch
Dr Dominic Joseph Gerard BELL, age 45 of Christchurch
Valquin Descalsota BENSURTO, age 23 (male) of the Philippines
Heidi Julie BERG, age 36 (female) of Christchurch
Matthew Lyle BEAUMONT, age 31 (male), of Christchurch
Carey Stuart BIRD, age 48, a NZ citizen resident in Australia
Andrew James Llewellyn BISHOP, age 33 of Christchurch
Nina Jane BISHOP, age 32 of Christchurch
Pamela (Pam) Maree BRIEN, age 54 (female) of Christchurch
Rhys Frank BROOKBANKS, age 25 of Christchurch
Melanie Jane BROWN, age 54 of Christchurch
Henry Ross BUSH, age 75 of Christchurch
Ivy Jane CABUNILAS, age 33 of the Philippines
Yu CAI, age 31 (female) of China
Ian Neville CALDWELL, age 47 of Christchurch
Cristiano CARAZO-CHANDLER, age 35 (male) of Christchurch
Helen Margaret CHAMBERS, age 44 of Christchurch
Yang CHEN, Age 29 (female) of China
John Kristoffer Villegas CHUA, age 24 (male) of the Philippines
Susan Patricia CHUTER, age 52 of Christchurch
Stephen COCHRANE, aged 43 of Bromley, Christchurch
Rachel Elizabeth CONLEY, age 27 of the United States of America
Philip Graeme Reeve COPPEARD, age 41 of Christchurch
Patrick John COUPE, age 46 of Christchurch
Donald Ashby COWEY, age 82 of Christchurch
Andrew Christian Ross CRAIG, age 46 of Christchurch
John Barry CRAIG (known as Barry), age 67 of Christchurch
Estelle Marie CULLEN, age 32 of Christchurch
Dr Tamara CVETANOVA, age 42 (female) of Serbia, resident in Christchurch
Betty Irene DICKSON, age 82 of Christchurch
Joanna Clare DIDHAM, age 35 of Christchurch
Jennifer Ann DONALDSON, age 55 of Christchurch
Paul Clarence DUNLOP, age 67 of Rolleston Selwyn District
Marielle FALARDEAU, age 60 of Canada
Dian Mary FALCONER, age 54 of Christchurch
Adam Stephen FISHER, age 27 of Belfast, Christchurch
Maureen Valerie FLETCHER, age 75 of Christchurch
Ian FOLDESI, age 64 (male) of Christchurch
Jewel Jose FRANCISCO, age 26 of the Philippines
Samuel Reese GIBB, age 27 of Christchurch
Jaime Robert McDowell GILBERT, age 22 of Christchurch
Joanne May GILES, age 60 of Christchurch
Baxtor Warwick GOWLAND, age 5 months of Christchurch
Elizabeth Jane GRANT (known as Jane) age 51 (female) of Belfast, Christchurch
Natasha Sarah HADFIELD, age 38 of Kaiapoi
Yuki HAMASAKI, age 23 (female) of Japan
Xiling HAN, age 25 (female) of China
Tamara Lia HARCA, age 59 (female) from Romania, resident in Christchurch
Jayden HARRIS, age 8 months of Christchurch
Yuki HASUMOTO, age 22 (female) of Japan
Yumiko HATA (female), age 29 of Japan
Miki HAYASAKA, age 37 female) from Japan
Wen HE, age 25 (female) of China
Jen/Jin HII, age 34 (female) of Malaysia
Yuko HIRABAYASHI, age 28 (female) from Japan
Yoshiko HIRAUCHI, age 61 of Japan
Marion Isabella McKirdy HILBERS, age 49 of Christchurch
Christopher Grant HOMAN, age 34 of Christchurch
Amanda Jane HOOPER, age 30 of Rolleston, Christchurch
Megumi HORITA (female), age 19 of Japan
Hifumi HOSHIBA, age 41 (female) from Japan
Siwen HUO (female), age 28 of China
Haruki HYAKUMAN (male), age 27 of Japan
Rika HYUGA, age 30 (female) of Japan
Toshiko IMAOKA, age 34 (female), of Japan
Gabi INGEL, age 22 of Israel
Thanydha INTARANGKUN, age 36 (female), of Thailand
Tomoki ISHIKURO, age 19 (male) of Japan
Kyle Brandon JACK-MIDGLEY, age 27 from Christchurch
Man JIN, age 26 (female) of China
Kayo KANAMARU, age 19 (female) of Japan
Kyoko KAWAHATA, age 20 of Japan
Beverley Faye KENNEDY, age 60 of Christchurch
Saori KIKUDA, age 19 (female) of Japan
Yasuhiro KITAGAWA (male), age 39 of Japan
Chang LAI, age 27 (female) of China
Wai Fong LAU, age 87 of Christchurch
Hsin Hung LEE, age 32 (female) of Taiwan
Normand LEE, age 25 of Christchurch
Jin-Yan LENG, age 30 (female), of China
Ofer LEVY, age 22 of Israel
De LI, age 18 (male) of China
Wanju LI, age 44 (female) of China
Xia LI (female), age 42 of China
Phimphorn LIANGCHUEA (female), age 41 of Thailand
Adrienne Isobel LINDSAY, age 54 of Christchurch
Haruthaya LUANGSURAPEESAKUL, age 32 of Thailand
Scott William Emerson LUCY, age 38
Catherine McNicol LUNNEY, age 62 of Christchurch
Donna Merrie MANNING, age 43 of Christchurch
Kelly Lynn MAYNARD, age 43 of Christchurch
Philip John McDONALD, age 57 of Ashburton
Matthew Stuart McEACHEN, age 25
Owen Thomas McKENNA, age 40 of Christchurch
Teresa MCLEAN (nee ELMS) age 40 (female) a NZ Citizen from Great Britain
Heather Marilyn MEADOWS, age 66 (female) of Christchurch
Ezra Mae Sabayton MEDALLE, age 24 (female) of Philippines
Janet Dawn MELLER, age 58, of Christchurch
Adrienne MEREDITH, age 36 of Christchurch
Ofer Binyamin MIZRAHI, age 22 of Israel
Kelsey Sinitta MOORE, age 18 of Christchurch
Emi MURAKAMI, age 19 (female) of Japan
Jillian Lesley MURPHY, age 48 of Christchurch
Melissa Ann NEALE, age 41 of Wellington
Erica Avir Reyes NORA, age 20 (female) of Phillipines
Blair James O'CONNOR, age 34 of Christchurch
John Joseph O'CONNOR, age 40 of Ireland
Noriko OTSUBO, age 41 (female) of Japan
Linda Rosemary PARKER, age 50 of Christchurch
Joseph Tehau POHIO, age 40 of Christchurch
Taneysha Gail Rose PRATTLEY, age 5 weeks of Christchurch
Wanpen PREEKLANG, age 45 (female), of Thailand
Jessie Lloyd REDOBLE, age 30 (male) of the Philippines
Deborah Ann ROBERTS, age 39 of Christchurch
Joseph Stuart ROUTLEDGE (known as Stuart), age 74 of Christchurch
Lucy ROUTLEDGE, age 74 of Christchurch
Saya SAKUDA, age 19 (female) of Japan
Yoko SAKURAI, age 27 (female) of Japan
Jeff Pelesa SANFT, age 32 of Christchurch
Gillian SAYERS, age 43 of Christchurch (UK citizen)
Susan Lyn SELWAY, age 50 (female) of Christchurch
Emma SHAHARUDIN, age 35 of Lincoln, Christchurch
Dr Allan Alexander SINCLAIR, age 45 of Christchurch
Christopher Patrick SMITH, age 48 of Selwyn
Christine Patricia (Trish) STEPHENSON, age 61 of Christchurch
Beverley May STICK, age 71 of Christchurch
Earl Nicholas STICK, age 78 of Christchurch
Neil Glyn STOCKER, age 58
Michael Stuart Coulter STYANT, age 41 of Christchurch
Yoko SUZUKI, 31 (female), of Japan
Te Taki (Wally) TAIRAKENA, age 60 of Christchurch
Hiroko TAMANO, age 43 (female), from Japan
Brian Warrington TAYLOR, age 66 (male) of Christchurch
Isaac James THOMPSON, age 21, of Rangiora
Desley Ann THOMSON, age 32 of Christchurch
Lesley Jane THOMSON, age 55 of Christchurch
Gregory James TOBIN, age 25 of the United Kingdom (visiting Christchurch)
Shane Robert TOMLIN, age 42 of Christchurch
Asuka TSUCHIHASHI (female), age 28 of Japan
Hui Yun TU (female), age 22 of China
Yurika UCHIHIRA, age 19 (female) of Japan
Amanda Jayne (Mandy) URIAO, age 38 of Christchurch
Jittra WAITHAYATADAPONG (female), age 40 of Thailand
Limin WANG, age 32 (female) of China
Tao WANG, age 29 (female) of China
Graham WEILD, age 77
Joan Dorothy WEILD, age 76
Lisa Patricia WILLEMS, age 43 of Christchurch
Julie Kathryn WONG, age 37 of Christchurch (dual UK and NZ citizenship)
Siriphan WONGBUNNGAM, age 27 of Thailand
Murray John WOOD, age 56 of Christchurch
Owen Morris WRIGHT, age 40 of Lyttelton
Stephen Robert WRIGHT, age 46 of Christchurch
Paul Khye Soon WU, age 60 of Christchurch (NZ citizen from Malaysia)
Sisi XIN, age 28 (female) of China
Linlin XU, age 26 (female) of China
Xiujuan XU, age 47 (female), of China
Ayako YAMAGUCHI, age 30 (female) of Japan
Mina YAMATANI, age 19 (female) of Japan
Didem YAMAN, age 31 (female) of Turkey
Caiying YE, age 27 (female) of China
Saki YOKOTA, age 19 (female) of Japan
Gilhwan YU, age 23 of Korea
Naon YU, age 21 (female) of South Korea
Hui ZHANG (female), age 34 of China
Weiyu ZHANG, age 30 (female) of China
Di-Di ZHANG, age 23 (female), of China
Yantao ZHONG, age 31 (female) of China
Xioa-Li ZHOU, age 26 (female), of China
In addition to the 181 victims identified through the police disaster victim identification process, the Chief Coroner has determined that an additional four deaths were directly associated with the February 22 earthquake.
Reta STEWART, age 81 (female) of Christchurch
Iris BOTTING, age 88 (female) of Christchurch
Elizabeth SINCLAIR, age 76 (female), of Christchurch
Pamela Christina BARKLE, age 72 (female), of Christchurch
Four victims were unable to be identified.
Shawn LUCAS, age 40 (male) of Christchurch
Rhea Mae SUMALPONG, age 25 (female) of the Philipines
Elsa TORRES DE FROOD, age 53 (female) of Peru (NZ resident)
Valeri VOLNOV, age 41 (male) of Russia (NZ resident)
