1980

April 1

Canterbury Regional Planning Authority merges with Canterbury United Council.

May 12

Visit by Mr Li Xiannian, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China.

September 6

$9.5 million Icon exhibition opens at Robert McDougall Art Gallery.

Exterior view of the Theatre Royal, Christchurch, prior to opening - 1907

September 18

Theatre Royal bought by Theatre Royal Charitable Foundation to be renovated and preserved as a theatre.

October 26

City Council gives land at Cuthberts Green to the trustees of new Ngā Hau E Whā National Marae.

November 11-13

Visit by Duke and Duchess of Kent.

November 11

$25 million Thyssen Bornemisza exhibition of modern painting opens at Robert McDougall Art Gallery.

November 12

New Civic Offices (formerly Millers Department Store) officially open.

November 25

Totem Pole placed in new location at Christchurch Airport.

Related

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