Sir Bob Parker is attending the national memorial service for the 10th anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake.
Parker, who was mayor during the 2010-11 quakes, is in a hospital care facility in Christchurch after suffering a heart attack, which was followed by a stroke late last year.
It was not clear whether he would attend the service but he has been spotted in the crowd in a wheelchair.
Current mayor Lianne Dalziel will read a message from him during the service.