Sets

The Teachers College in Christchurch originally operated from the Normal School at the corner of Montreal and Kilmore Streets from 1873. They eventually required their own site and the foundation stone was laid in 1924 on the corner of Montreal and Peterborough Streets and the Post Primary Department took over this building.

By the 1960s these sites were becoming overcrowded and out dated. It was decided to relocate to Ilam and the new Teachers College opened 50 years ago on April 22 1970. This was initially just the Secondary Division with the Primary Division remaining in town until the late 1970s when the rest of the Ilam site was completed.

The first agricultural show in Canterbury was held by the Canterbury Pastoral Association in 1859. By 1918, the Friday of Show Week had become People’s Day at the Show and large numbers of town and country people visited.

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).

The range of events included livestock parades and competitions, dog trials, woodchopping, machinery displays and carnival rides.

Can you believe that 1970 is now half a century ago? Explore some of what was happening 50 years ago through our collection.

Be inspired by some activities captured in our digital heritage collection that you could attempt with your bubble during our Lockdown.

Wedding photographs are family treasures, passed down through the generations. Explore this selection of photographs from our collection that showcase the diverse ways in which people celebrate love in our city.

Situated on the northern shores of Whakaraupō, Ōhinehou was originally a Māori settlement. After being recognised as an official port, Lyttelton, by the Canterbury Association in 1849, it became the gateway to Christchurch and the wider Canterbury province for ocean going settlers. It continues to play a significant role in shipping and tourism for the region.

Photos of author Margaret Mahy, and people and places connected to her life and times.

Do you recognise anyone in the photographs? Do you have any stories about the locations or events? If you are too young, perhaps you can ask someone else who might remember the scenes depicted in this selection of photographs from our collection. Share with your family and friends to encourage discussions about your memories.

Canterbury Stories has over 52,000 items to be exploring, here are 12 of the most viewed in 2022!

Established in 1920, the Municipal Electricity Department took over the regulation of the city's electricity from the former Christchurch City Council Electricity Department. The organisation was known for its Modernist building on the corner of Manchester Street and Armagh Street.

Remember that band from your high school? You might find them here in this selection of photographs from our collection. Christchurch has produced many musicians, including some who turned their passion into a career. For those of us who are tone deaf but still enjoy listening to music, you might find the store where you used to purchase your albums.

For many, the beachfront suburb of New Brighton holds memories of having the only shopping centre in Christchurch that was open on a Saturday. With its iconic pier and hot water pool facility, the suburb is still a place where the people of Christchurch come to surf, swim, fish, or simply enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean.

In 1894 the first New Brighton Pier was opened and for the next 70 years it provided the citizens of Christchurch with a recreational destination. It was demolished on 12 October 1965. The current New Brighton Pier opened 1 November 1997.

Celebrating the 90th anniversary of New Regent Street by exploring the development and changes of the street during this time. Explore the changing colours, gradual removal of cars, changing shops and surviving of earthquakes through our collection.

Explore some highlights of recent additions to the collection.

Internationally-renowned crime writer Dame Ngaio Marsh is one of Canterbury’s most famous authors. She was also a highly respected theatre director with the University of Canterbury Drama Society.

Prime Minister Norman Kirk, M.P. for Sydenham, formerly M.P. for Lyttelton and Mayor of Kaiapoi , died on 31 August 1974.

Ōtākaro meanders its way from a spring source in Avonhead in the West, through Ilam, Riccarton, Fendalton and Hagley Park, through the city then through Avonside, Dallington, Avondale and Aranui in the East and then out to sea via the estuary. The river has been a source of mahinga kai for Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe and Ngāi Tahu and a place for recreation.

From Dinosaur and Elephant slides to Flying foxes, there have been many exciting playgrounds around Canterbury!

Highlights from our annual Photo Hunt which includes images that were Winning and Highly commended entries from Photo Hunt since 2008 through to 2021. These images show the variety of stories that have been shared and contributed over this time.

Although founded as an Anglican settlement, with the cathedral at its heart, the arrival of new migrants with differing faiths led to the establishment of various religious institutions throughout Christchurch. Explore a selection of churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith centres in the city.

The carefree days of childhood, from the school playground to the park. In this set, explore a selection of photographs that will take you back to the era of unpadded trampolines, rope bridges, and sandpits. Then fast forward to the present day where the Margaret Mahy Playground combines action with safety.