Five years ago the sights, sounds, and people were very different in Christchurch.
In the immediate aftermath of the 6.3-magnitude earthquake on February 22, 2011, the air was filled with dust and the sound of sirens, crumbling buildings and the anguish of people as 185 were killed.
Five years on, in Hagley Park's Botanic Gardens at lunchtime on Monday, hundreds gathered for another memorial service amid the din of cicadas, overhead aircraft and the background hum of the city trying to rebuild.
The crowd is a bit on the older side - the city hasn't been given any time off for the anniversary - and numbers are swelled by the dignitaries and emergency services representatives.
It took just over 11 minutes to read the 185 names of the victims and as the last few were read out, the clock ticked past 12.51pm and a minute's silence was observed.
Afterwards, flowers were thrown into the Avon River in a River of Flowers gesture from a nearby bridge - a process interrupted by a punt carrying tourists travelling downstream, an industry that resumed just two months after the destruction.
The silence was a little break from all the talk of the rebuild and problems people face.
It will be an emotional day for many, said Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
"For many, it will take a lot more time to heal, we need to respect that."
Monday's memorial brought a tear to the eye of Christchurch resident Rosalind Simmonds.
"It doesn't take much to transport you back to where you were.
"I've got a friend from church, Julie, who died in the PGC Building and I was remembering her today, she left behind a husband and a little boy who is about 10 now.
"It's great to see so many people here and participating in any way they can."
The people of Christchurch had changed since the 2011 quake, she said.
"I think people have become more caring, more ready to help their neighbours and show empathy for those who are still struggling, you can't help but be affected by it.
"It's unfortunate the middle of the city is not going faster but people have just got on and done what they can in the suburbs."
Monday was also the first time Glenys Luskie, whose pregnant daughter-in-law had nearly been killed in 2011, had attended a memorial event.
"But I was determined to come in to this one regardless and I am glad I have. I am glad to see all these people around and I got quite emotional myself.
"Christchurch has changed a terrific lot, it won't ever be the same again and I can't say I'm dramatically sorry about that. I am in a sense, but I believe it's going to change probably, dare I say it, for the better.
"Perhaps I might get a few slaps in the face for that, I think it's coming along beautifully ... I am happy each time I come into town and see the way it's coming on."
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