Sets

Exploring Canterbury 50 years ago!

The first agricultural show in Canterbury was held on 14 September 1859 at a farm by the Rangitata River. The agricultural show was first held in Christchurch in 1862 just north of Latimer Square. The Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association was founded in 1863 and the association bought a showground in Sydenham which became Sydenham Park in 1894. When this site became too small, the Canterbury A&P Association bought a site in Addington.

By 1918, the Friday of Show Week had become People’s Day at the Show. Some time between 1955 and 1958, the official holiday for the anniversary day of the province was moved from 16 December (the date of the arrival of the First Four Ships) to People’s Day (the second Friday in November).

Explore the comings and goings of Cantabrians 100 years ago.

150 years of Christchurch from 1873 to 2023.

Founded by French settlers in 1840, the seaside town of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula has retained many of its historic buildings and remains a popular destination for visitors to Christchurch. Explore a selection from our collection of both historic and contemporary photographs of this holiday destination.

Did you know that Colombo Street is 6.2km long? It runs from Edgeware Road all the way to the bottom of the Port Hills and has bridges crossing the Avon River/Ōtakaro, the railway line and the Heathcote River/Ōpāwaho. Until 1965 you could even drive straight through Cathedral Square to stay on Colombo Street! Journey along Colombo Street in this exhibition that also travels around in time.

The Antigua Boat Sheds were built in 1882 on the Avon River by the Antigua Street Bridge. The boating services they offer have remained a popular attraction for both locals and tourists to the city. Explore a selection of both historic and contemporary photographs of this iconic feature of Christchurch.

Anzac Day (April 25) is a national day of remembrance which commemorates the New Zealand (and Australian) military personnel who have served in conflicts overseas. The first Anzac day was observed in 1916. The day is marked by dawn services and commemorative marches. Poppies and wreaths are traditionally laid at memorials around Christchurch and Canterbury.

Armistice Day marks the anniversary of the agreement that ended the First World War (1914 – 1918) and commemorates the sacrifice of those who died serving New Zealand in this and all wars and armed conflicts. The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month marks the moment when hostilities ceased on the Western Front in 1918, with the signing of the Armistice.

Exploring Linwood over time through our collection.

Cathedral Square, the heart of the city, is one of the notable locations in Christchurch. Throughout its history it has been a place for citizens to gather in worship, celebration, or to pursue recreation. Move around Cathedral Square with a selection of images from our collection over time.

Christchurch and Canterbury are home to many artists and galleries. Our collection captures not only the artworks, but the people responsible for their creation. From professional to personal, explore the artworks that have shaped the artistic landscape of the region.

The Arts Centre is on the former Canterbury University site. The university outgrew the site and in 1978 the Arts Centre of Christchurch Trust Board was created. It was formed to receive the ownership of, and administer in perpetuity, the old University town site. Government approval to preserve the historic buildings was granted for the multipurpose use of the whole site as an arts centre.

Christchurch and Canterbury have produced many significant authors. The region has also been visited by authors of national and international renown.

At around 3.30pm on 18 November 1947 a fire broke out in Ballantynes' Department Store on the corner of Cashel Street and Colombo Street. The ensuring tragedy resulted in the deaths of 41 people, making it the worst fire in New Zealand history. Our selection of photographs records the events and aftermath of this sad day.

Selection of our Band posters that have been digitised. Did you go to any of the gigs?

Band rotundas were built in many public spaces across Christchurch to create permanent outdoor locations for the numerous bands to play in and to help to project their music into the surrounding area. The rotundas also provided a space for public speeches and commemorations. Although the public pastime of listening to band performances has declined, the rotundas still act as places for people to gather and remain features of the city.

A selection of images from the Belfast, Styx and Redwood area. We're looking to collect more images from this area so let us know if you have anything you'd like to contribute.

Beth El synagogue was built to replace the original wooden synagogue on Gloucester Street. The foundation stone was laid on 8 February 1881, and the synagogue was officially consecrated on 15 November 1881. It was demolished in 1987, having the Star of David window removed to be placed in the new synagogue on Durham Street.

With the Pacific Ocean on its shores, and rivers threading its landscape, the people of Canterbury have used boats for both work and leisure throughout the centuries. From row boats, tugs, yachts, and cargo ships, explore the various ways we have taken to the water.

The people of Christchurch enjoy not only reading books but also collecting, selling, and managing them. From schools, book shops, to libraries, explore the way books have played a role in our society.

A celebration of Christchurch bookshops.

The establishment of Town Reserves, Hagley Park and the Government Domain (now the Botanic Gardens) was included as part of the Canterbury Association’s plan for the settlement of Christchurch. Since then, the gardens have become a place for people to relax and enjoy a variety of flora and fauna, both indigenous and exotic.