Several hundred people have gathered to pay their respects to Kaikoura man Louis Edgar, who perished in last week's earthquake, is to be held this afternoon.

A town meeting was brought forward so residents can attend the 1.30pm service at the Kaikoura Catholic Church.

Albert Louis Edgar, known as Louis, 75, died when his home, the historic Elms Homestead collapsed in the 7.8-magnitude earthquake.

He lived in the home with his mother, Margaret, and wife, Pam.

He has two adult daughters, Chrissy Bittle and Gael Knowles, and a son, Mike Edgar.

Son Mike's red Holden ute carried his ute to the church this afternoon. A white ute with hay bales was parked beside it. 

Several members of the emergency services have gathered to pay their respects. 

The 30-minute service is being led by celebrant Yvonne Dasler. 

The family this week thanked the community for their support, said Bittle.

"The Edgar family would like to express our sincere gratitude for all your support we have been shown since last Mondays [sic] earthquake," she posted in the Kaikoura Notice Board Facebook page.

"We respectfully ask that all media leave us to grieve in privacy."

The post received hundreds of messages of condolences and support.

As a result of the service, Kaikoura Civil Defence changed the time of its Community Update Meeting.

The meeting was moved to 12.30pm.