The first anniversary of the earthquake that devastated much of the New Zealand city of Christchurch was an emotional event for many.<br/> <br />A hundred and eighty five people lost their lives.<br/> <br />The names of each of the dead were read out during the memorial.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Paul Rodwell, firefighter, saying (English):<br/> <br />"All the names I was reading out today were actual students who died within a few metres of where we were working so it had a real poignancy for us. It was more than just a bunch of names, it was a chance to show, as firefighters and rescuers, our respect and show that we care for those families that have come from all over the world to this memorial."<br/> <br />More than 6, 500 others were injured when the 6.3 magnitude quake hit on February 22nd, 2011.<br/> <br />The Central Business District was reduced to rubble.<br/> <br />A two-minute silence enveloped the entire nation at 12.51, the exact moment the quake began.<br/> <br />The event culminated with the release of 185 butterflies.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Gill Coe, memorial attendee, saying (English)<br/> <br />"It's just so nice to be able to do something that's more about rebuilding and hope for the future. And it was lovely to have the monarch butterflies being released. I found that very moving.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Mihi Sorensen, student, saying (English):<br/> <br />"It was definitely the right thing to do today, it was good to be able to think back and reflect on what's happened over the last year."<br/> <br />One year on, there are still aftershocks and the reconstruction of Christchurch still has a long way to go.<br/> <br />Paul Chapman, Reuters
