The Prime Minister, Mr John Key, today acknowledged the "great heart and resilience" of Christchurch people. 

He was addressing the civic service marking the second anniversary of the earthquakes which devastated Christchurch in 2011. 

The service, in Latimer Square, began at 12noon.

"Your grief is still raw and only time can help to numb the pain of your loss," Mr Key told the crowd of several thousand.

"This anniversary is the time to look at how far you have come in two years, and also to look forward down the road ahead.

"Out of these broken streets, which have been likened to a war zone, a new Christchurch will emerge."

Mr Key urged Cantabrians to ''persevere'' and ''stay strong''.

"In the past two years, I would bet more tears have been shed in this city than in the rest of the country put together," he said.

"We're just about through the worst of it. Better times are ahead as we rebuild a city that we can all be proud of."

Mr Key said the Government was "absolutely committed" to the rebuild and hoped people could remain patient.

"I know it's hard, I know there's still suffering, and everyone is anxious for things to go faster, but this job is unprecedented in the world, and we should judge ourselves by how we have come so far."

Wreaths were laid at a memorial before a minute's silence to remember those who died.

Bishop Victoria Matthews prayed for Cantabrians at the service.

"Our hearts are so full as we remember, grieve and hope and even dare to give thanks for the extraordinary journey of the past two years," she said.

"Now, standing at the threshold of the third year, we ask your strength and grace."

• How the service unfolded