Dalai Lama's 'duty' to Christchurch

The Dalai Lama greets a supporter at Christchurch Airport. Photo / Star Canterbury

The Dalai Lama says he felt a duty to travel to Christchurch and share in the city's sadness after the February 22 earthquake.

His Holiness is visiting the city to show solidarity with the people ahead of a visit to Australia.

Speaking ahead of a free public speaking event at midday, his Holiness urged the people of Christchurch to look forward with determination and build a new city that will be even happier than the one before it.

He said New Zealanders had always shown a genuine sense of concern for their fellow countrymen.

"As a friend it's my duty to come and share in your sadness."

He urged people who lost loved ones in the earthquake to look to the future with a great sense of energy and enthusiasm.