Prime Minister John Key led the way, posting a tribute message on Twitter.
He said: "Today we reflect on the Christchurch earthquake, remember those we lost & look forward with optimism to the future."
This morning, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee said the people of Canterbury could be "enormously proud" of what they had achieved in the past five years.
"As we mark the fifth anniversary of the February 22 earthquake, it's a chance to reflect on how far we have all come."
His comments were made a day after hundreds of people protested in Christchurch's cathedral square, calling for an external review of the way the Earthquake Commission (EQC) has handled claims.
Today we reflect on the Christchurch earthquake, remember those we lost & look forward with optimism to the future. pic.twitter.com/7TNrVTvZ2E
— John Key (@johnkeypm) February 21, 2016
Almost 1000 Christchurch residents attended yesterday's rally to vent their frustration over insurance delays.
Just a day out from the fifth year anniversary, the protesters chanted and sang, and were given chalk so they could decorate the square with messages of their choosing.
One woman was cheered on by the crowd as she danced in front of the stage holding a Gerry Brownlee puppet.
But Mr Brownlee today said most insurance claims had been resolved, most of the demolitions done, most of the infrastructure repair complete, and that the city was now in a building phase where new facilities were springing up.
"Of course there are people who still face challenges, and as a Government we will continue to fund and support services to help them."
Mr Brownlee said progress was evident in other organisations too, with the EQC settling 98.6 per cent of dwelling claims under $100,000 and private insurers settling more than 75 per cent of claims over $100,000.
He said more than $1.4 billion of building consents had been issued in the central city since February 22, 2011 and over $12.1 billion in all of greater Christchurch.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said the Canterbury economy was continuing to strengthen and its economic infrastructure was continuing to develop as the region positions itself for long-term growth post the earthquake rebuild.
He said the region has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 3.9 per cent, compared with 5.3 per cent nationally.
Since December 2011, employment in Canterbury had increased by 40,500 -- 14.1 per cent -- compared with national growth of 8.1 per cent.
"As we move through the peak of the rebuild stage, the Government and the region are working to develop the long-term infrastructure that will sustain and grow the region into the future."
This morning's small tremor was located 5km northeast of Christchurch and was 11km deep.
It struck just after 5.30am and was described by GeoNet as weak.
Christchurch today - What you need to know
• The civic memorial service will be held at 12pm on the Archery Lawn in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and all members of the public are welcome to attend.
The mayor of Christchurch, Lianne Dalziel, will speak at the service at midday. A minute's silence will be observed at 12.51pm and the service is expected to end about 1pm.
• The Order of Service can be seen here: http://ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Culture-Community/Events-Festivals/2...
• A livestream of the commemorations can be viewed here: http://ccc.govt.nz/culture-and-community/events-and-festivals/annual-eve...
• The River of Flowers event will take place at more than 20 sites along the Christchurch waterways including at the Daffodil Woodlands bridge in the Botanic Gardens, near to where the civic memorial service is being held.
People who attend the civic memorial service will be invited to release a flower into the Avon River as an act of remembrance.
The sites will be open from 8am to 8pm and some of the sites will be hosted by local groups between 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
• The Christchurch Transport Operations Centre is reminding people that because of the Black Caps v. Australia test match at Hagley Oval today and the earthquake memorial service in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, extra traffic is expected around the central city.
It said to plan ahead for both events and allow extra time for parking and walking. A 30km/hr speed limit is in place for parts of Riccarton Ave and parking for the memorial service is available at the Riccarton Ave and Armagh St carparks, as well as on street parking.
There will be a drop off zone in place on Rolleston Ave next to the Canterbury Museum.
• The WeatherWatch forecast for Christchurch today is morning cloud with the chance of some drizzle, then breaking into some sun this afternoon. Easterly winds will also develop. There is a 30 per cent chance of precipitation.
