Sunday's national remembrance service for the first anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks has been cancelled, the city's council has announced.

In a Facebook post from Christchurch City Council, a spokesperson said it was a precautionary move in the ongoing coronavirus response.

The event was going to be held at Horncastle Arena in Christchurch at 3pm on March 15 and people from all over the country were expected to attend.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the decision was made to protect the health of New Zealanders.

"This is a pragmatic decision. We're very saddened to cancel, but in remembering such a terrible tragedy, we shouldn't create the risk of further harm being done.