Local history: Events
Find out about the major events in the history of Christchurch. We tell some of the fascinating stories of our city and link to recommended information resources and photographs from our collections.
Events
Featured
Christmas Parades
Imagery and information on the Christchurch Christmas parades since the 1930s.
The New Zealand International Exhibition 1906-1907
The New Zealand International Exhibition was held in Hagley Park from 1 November 1906 to 15 April 1907 attracting nearly 2 million visitors.
Historical Newspapers
Find the libraries Historical Newspaper collections with both online and in libraries, great for historians and family history researchers.
Wars and conflicts
Our page on Wars and Conflicts contains information about New Zealand’s involvement in conflicts including.
New Zealanders at War summarises the New Zealand war experience and some key resources.
During the centenary of the First World War from 2014 to 2018 the New Zealand Government developed WW100. Our WW100 page links to First World War content as well as events and activities in Christchurch and Canterbury.
Wars and conflicts
Death and disasters
Death and disasters
1918: Influenza epidemic
In November 1918 Christchurch was affected by the influenza pandemic sweeping the world - 462 (out of a population of 92,773) people died.
Ballantynes’ fire – 18 November 1947
We remember the Ballantynes’ Department Store fire 18 November 1947. It was the worst fire in New Zealand history, killing 41 people.
Parker-Hulme murder case
Newspaper coverage of the murder trial of Pauline Parker, 16, and Juliet Hulme, 15 in 1954.
Christchurch and Canterbury Earthquakes
Find out about major devastating earthquakes that have happened in Christchurch and Canterbury.