Heritage

Christchurch: a chronology

A timeline of some Christchurch events in chronological order from 1700s to 1989.

Go to a year between 1700 & 1989

Begin at the beginning Start here

This week in history

June 6, 1905
First electric trams in operation. Unique in Australasia, they had front fenders as a safety feature because of the density of cycle traffic in Christchurch.
June 6, 1987
$84 million redevelopment of Christchurch Hospital approved.
June 7, 1877
New Canterbury College (University) building opens. Designed by B.W. Mountfort, the building is now part of the Arts Centre.
June 8, 1838
First French warship, the corvette “Heroine” (Captain J.B. Cecille) arrives in Akaroa.
June 8, 1882
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals formed in City.
June 8, 1966
New "Wahine", described as "the largest vehicular ferry in the world", begins on the Lyttelton-Wellington run.
June 8, 1978
Visit by Crown Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands.
June 9, 1851
“Steadfast” arrives with settlers.
June 9, 1862
Municipal Council approves first street lighting (62 kerosene lamps).
June 9, 1869
Earthquake damages many buildings including the stone (second) Town Hall.
June 9, 1917
Sign of the Kiwi opens.
June 9, 1937
Citizens War Memorial unveiled in Cathedral Square.
June 10, 1868
William Wilson elected first Mayor of Christchurch.
June 10, 1935
John Drew and poet/typographer Dennis Glover founded Caxton Press to publish New Zealand literature. Most of the decade’s best writers were first published by the company.
June 11, 1982
Hamish Hay, Mayor of Christchurch since 1974, knighted in Queen’s Birthday honours.
June 12, 1848
“Kemp’s Deed” signed by Ngai Tahu giving the New Zealand Company control of land from Kaiapoi to Otago.

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