Historic Events

Wars and Conflicts

Christchurch Chronology: First, lasts, bests and worsts from Christchurch's history.
Christchurch Christmas Parades: In 2007, Christchurch celebrates the sixtieth anniversary of what was originally known as the Hay’s parade.
Early Christchurch Factsheets: These factsheets for children cover a range of important events in our history.
New Zealand International Exhibition 1906: The New Zealand International Exhibition held in Christchurch 1906-7 showcased art and culture from around the world and had nearly 2 million visitors.
New Zealand Politics Timeline: From European beginnings in New Zealand, 1642 to 2004.
Newspapers Guide: Find out how to use our newspapers resources to research past events.
Snow days: A brief history of snow in Christchurch.

Ballantynes Fire: On 18 November 1947 the central Christchurch department store Ballantynes caught fire and 41 people died in one of New Zealands worst fires ever.
The Christchurch Star and the assassination of John F. Kennedy, 1963: The November 23, 1963 edition of the Star newspaper has been digitised.
Influenza - the 1918 epidemic: How Christchurch coped.
New Zealand Disasters: Factsheets for children about 35 disasters from 1855 - 1995.
The Parker / Hulme Case: On June 22nd, 1954, Juliet Hulme and Pauline Parker set out to kill Pauline's mother. These files, taken from contemporary news reports of the case and other sources, illustrate this famous murder.
Russley Golf Course Air Crash: 21 November 1957.