Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says the thoughts of his quake-stricken city are with Japan following Friday's magnitude 9.0 earthquake which devastated much of the country and left thousands dead.

Earthquake victim Philip McDonald was farewelled today at the Ashburton Trust Event Centre.

The excuses were wildly different, but the results were very much the same: any offending involving Christchurch's earthquake-damaged buildings or cordons will bring instant jail time.

Prime Minister John Key says there will be a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the collapse of many of Christchurch's inner city buildings during the February 22 earthquake, six more victims of which have been named.

All Black captain Richie McCaw and two of the Crusaders horsemen have led a guard of honour to farewell earthquake victim and Crusaders boardmember Philip McDonald.

Most of the firefighters who have worked day and night since the quake have no homes to return to.

Christchurch is getting ready for the return of up to 60,000 residents with 110 schools also set to reopen this morning.

The "Fill the Basin for Christchurch" cricket match is underway, with proceeds going to the earthquake relief fund.

Local girl Flip Grater reflects on the devastation that has hit Christchurch.