1949

February 21

City coat of arms granted armorial bearings.

Sign of the Takahe

April 1

Sign of the Takahe opens. This was the completion of the Summit Road developments begun by Harry Ell in 1908.

May 27

New Zealand’s first commercial aerial topdressing on Banks Peninsula.

June 18

Announcement of decision to move Canterbury University campus to Ilam.

December 1

Sydney G. (later Sir Sydney) Holland (Fendalton) becomes Prime Minister.

(no date)

First Lady Wigram motor race. The Wigram course was New Zealand’s first true motor racing track.

First New Zealand made motor tyres manufactured at Firestone factory in Papanui.

Related

• Year by Year List
• Firsts, bests, worsts and lasts
• Sources
• About the Christchurch Chronology.