Thousands of people in Christchurch have seen close up what remains of the central city, following the opening of a walkway through Cathedral Square.
It's the first time the section of city has been open to the public since the February earthquake.
The path between the new Cashel Mall shopping area and Cathedral Square opened at 9am on Saturday and about 1000 people have gone through every hour.
Up to 300 people have been allowed to use the short walkway lined with security fences at any one time.
Some of those who did so on Saturday were pleased to see the progress made by demolition crews, while others fought back tears as they took in the devastation around them.
Bryan Dick says it was an emotional experience that put the recovery into perspective.
Mr Dick says the extent of the damage is almost beyond comprehension and the cracks in his own house are nothing in comparison.
Beverley Hudson says seeing the square was a positive experience because the space has been opened up and it's possible to imagine what it will become.
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says getting the public in to see the central city is an important part of the healing process for many.
"It's an immensely important symbolic moment to be able to walk back into the heart of your city again," he says.
Mr Parker says others are just curious to see what's happening and what the devastated area looks like.
The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority says there are some risks and dangers associated with the walkway, and anyone using it will have to carry identification with them on their person.
Chief executive Roger Sutton says people will be able to see first hand the significant amount of work that is going on to get the city back on its feet.
The walkway will be open from 9am to 9pm every weekend until 11 December.
Response report suggests improvements
Christchurch City Council says it will use the findings of a report it commissioned on its earthquake response to improve its emergency management systems and processes.
The council called for the report after the 22 February earthquake.
Staff and agencies have given feedback on how to improve response procedures and arrangements.
The council's civil defence and emergency management manager, Murray Sinclair, says the report highlights the speed at which the emergency operation centre was running and that important decisions were made in a timely manner.
He says many lessons have already been learned and improvements are being implemented with senior management and staff.
