Prayers were said for the people of Christchurch at a commemoration of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that devastated Hawke's Bay 81 years ago.
Two pipers slowly marched from across Hastings to the Clock Tower where more than 300 people gathered to remember the earthquake, which killed 258 people in a region with a population of 60,000 at the time.
"It was such a defining day for our city, or little town as it was then," Hastings District councillor Kevin Watkins told NZ Newswire.
"It changed everything," he said.
The clock struck at 10.47am to mark the time of the earthquake.
Prayers were said for the people of Christchurch, as the anniversary of a magnitude 6.3 earthquake that killed 184 in that city nears.
There was a poignant moment when Hastings survivors of the Hawke's Bay earthquake joined Mayor Lawrence Yule to lay a wreath.
Mr Watkins said many school children attended the event, demonstrating the importance of history in defining a town for future generations.
A restored 1904 traction engine was also present.
"It steamed into the centre of Hastings within two hours of the quake to start pulling the debris away from buildings so rescuers could free people," Mr Watkins said.
"It puffed into the city yesterday and puffed up and down the main street all polished up."
Prime Minister John Key said on a visit this week the remarkable story of the Hawke's Bay region after the 1931 earthquake should give confidence to the people of Christchurch.
The earthquake, known as the Napier earthquake, is New Zealand's deadliest natural disaster and major commemorations were held last year for the 80th anniversary.
The oldest survivor, Jean Williams, 99, and the youngest survivor, Morris Nicholl, born just two hours before the quake struck, will attend an afternoon tea on Sunday, Hawke's Bay Today reported.
NZN