Local History
Explore local history - the people and places of Ōtautahi.
Featured
Kia ora Te Kaha! Share your pics of One New Zealand Stadium
We want your pictures of the stadium and the site, past and present, to give them a permanent home in the city’s memory.
Kia ora Te Kaha! Share your pics of One New Zealand Stadium
We want your pictures of the stadium and the site, past and present, to give them a permanent home in the city’s memory.
Popular resources
Popular resources
Wars and conflicts
Explore information on wars and conflicts New Zealand has been involved in.
Poster collection: Rock music
Local band posters digitised from the libraries' ephemera collection.
He Kohinga Pūranga / Archives
Located on Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2 of Tūranga the Archives are a rich collection of primary sources on the city’s history.
Wars and conflicts
Explore information on wars and conflicts New Zealand has been involved in.
Poster collection: Rock music
Local band posters digitised from the libraries' ephemera collection.
He Kohinga Pūranga / Archives
Located on Tuakiri | Identity, Level 2 of Tūranga the Archives are a rich collection of primary sources on the city’s history.
NZ Music Month: Picturing Canterbury
Christchurch City Libraries celebrates NZ Music Month during May every year. Here are some musical highlights from Canterbury Stories.
John Britten: Picturing Canterbury
Born in Christchurch in 1950, John Britten found fame as the designer of motorcycles. The Britten Museum opened Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Couloir Peak and Cameron Glacier: Picturing Canterbury
The Cameron River valley, Couloir Peak, and Cameron Glacier as seen from Ōtūroto Lake Heron, 2008. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Cousin’s Christmas photo with Santa Claus
Cousins Barbara Carswell and Winifred Boyd with Santa Claus at Beaths Toyland, 1953. An image from Canterbury Stories.
NZ Music Month: Picturing Canterbury
Christchurch City Libraries celebrates NZ Music Month during May every year. Here are some musical highlights from Canterbury Stories.
John Britten: Picturing Canterbury
Born in Christchurch in 1950, John Britten found fame as the designer of motorcycles. The Britten Museum opened Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Couloir Peak and Cameron Glacier: Picturing Canterbury
The Cameron River valley, Couloir Peak, and Cameron Glacier as seen from Ōtūroto Lake Heron, 2008. An image from Canterbury Stories.
Cousin’s Christmas photo with Santa Claus
Cousins Barbara Carswell and Winifred Boyd with Santa Claus at Beaths Toyland, 1953. An image from Canterbury Stories.
QUIZ: Schools
Test your knowledge of local schools and educational history with our monthly quiz.
QUIZ: First World War
Test your knowledge ahead of New Zealand’s involvement in the First World War I ahead of Anzac Day commemorations on 25 April.
QUIZ: Directories
A directory is an index or list of individuals and/or organisations that also includes contact details. Great for local history research.
QUIZ: Places and events
Can you answer these questions about the spaces used for local events?
QUIZ: Schools
Test your knowledge of local schools and educational history with our monthly quiz.
QUIZ: First World War
Test your knowledge ahead of New Zealand’s involvement in the First World War I ahead of Anzac Day commemorations on 25 April.
QUIZ: Directories
A directory is an index or list of individuals and/or organisations that also includes contact details. Great for local history research.
QUIZ: Places and events
Can you answer these questions about the spaces used for local events?
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1974 Commonwealth Games
So Many Stories: 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games: Pt 2
A special episode includes memories from athletes, organisers and staff who were central to the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch.
Xth British Commonwealth Games 1974
The 1974 Commonwealth Games were known as the Friendly Games. They took place in Christchurch from 24 January to 2 February 1974.
So Many Stories: 1974 Christchurch Commonwealth Games: Pt 1
Hear from the folks who made the 1974 Commonwealth Games happen, from security guards to drivers, to committee members and media.
Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu, part of a series
Every library holds taonga, some nestled safely away, others passed through countless hands. This exhibition brings these treasures together
Did they really do that?Cantabrians' quest for world records, part of a series
Jul 4th, All day
Cantabrians have always embraced a challenge. The 1970s & 1980s were peak decades for attempting to break a world record, any world record!
Let's Dig It! - 8-12 years - (tū), part of a series
Step into the world of archaeology! Young explorers will handle real artefacts, try out archaeological activities, and discover the past.
Archives Adventures - 8-12 years
Jul 9th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Explore Ōtautahi Christchurch’s past through archival objects like photographs, letters and diaries in a hands-on adventure.
Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu, part of a series
Every library holds taonga, some nestled safely away, others passed through countless hands. This exhibition brings these treasures together
Did they really do that?Cantabrians' quest for world records, part of a series
Jul 4th, All day
Cantabrians have always embraced a challenge. The 1970s & 1980s were peak decades for attempting to break a world record, any world record!
Let's Dig It! - 8-12 years - (tū), part of a series
Step into the world of archaeology! Young explorers will handle real artefacts, try out archaeological activities, and discover the past.
Archives Adventures - 8-12 years
Jul 9th | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Explore Ōtautahi Christchurch’s past through archival objects like photographs, letters and diaries in a hands-on adventure.