At 4.55 am of September 4, Christchurch was rocked by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake which caused widespread damage and left thousands without power and water as night falls.
The second biggest city was also hit by a series of major aftershocks.
Prime Minister John Key, who saw first-hand the devastation across Christchurch, said it was a miracle more people weren't killed.
"It's a miracle there where so few casualties."
Much of the ruined city remains cordoned off by police following the devastating earthquake.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker has requested the army to help provide safety and security in the city in the wake of the country's most damaging earthquake since the 1931 Napier disaster. He also asked people toconserve water and keep boiling water for drinking, not to flush the toilet unless necessary, and not to ''rubberneck'' because it was important roads were clear for vital services.
The mayor urged people to check on their neighbours. "The most important thing is that there has been no loss of life.