A senior fire service official has made a full and frank apology at the inquest into the deaths of eight people who survived the initial collapse of the CTV building.
The central Christchurch building collapsed in the 6.3 magnitude earthquake on 22 February last year, claiming a total of 115 lives.
Deputy national commander Paul McGill made a statement to the court ahead of giving his evidence on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr McGill said he took full responsibility for inadequately preparing his staff for an event such as the CTV collapse.
He apologised to all those who lost loved ones who couldn't be rescued.
Outlining changes being made, Mr McGill said the Fire Service would be working with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and police on improving understanding of command and functions at incidents.
Joint training exercises with USAR would include operating heavy machinery and working with the Air Force to load equipment on to a Hercules.
Mr McGill said New Zealand's USAR has been accepted for an international classification process in 2015 that will benchmark its systems with other teams from around the world.
'No longer lone voice'
Alec Cvetanov, whose wife Tamara Cvetanova died in the building despite managing to survive under the rubble for at least 12 hours, had previously told the inquest he wanted rescue services to learn from his wife's death.
On Tuesday, his lawyer Nigel Hampton QC said on Mr Cvetanov's behalf the apology had been a turning point.
"For a long time Mr Cvetanov felt he was a voice alone in saying what he's been saying. The sincere acknowledgment made by Mr McGill now has touched Mr Cvetanov and he wants to acknowledge that as being a turning point in his mind."
