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A timeline of Christchurch events in chronological order from pre-European times to 1989.

Go to a year between 1700 & 1989

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This week in history

August 20, 1860
Canterbury Vocal Society formed. After several changes of name, it became the Royal Christchurch Musical Society in 1920. It is the oldest continually operating choral group in New Zealand.
August 20, 1984
A longterm aim of banning open fires is approved by the Christchurch City Council.
August 21, 1989
Sir Hamish Hay announces he will not stand for position of Mayor after 15 years in Local Body politics.
August 22, 1910
Ilam homestead (on the site of the present university staff club) destroyed by fire.
August 22, 1925
Radio Broadcasting Company of N.Z. incorporated in Christchurch - the country’s first public radio company. The company became the major force in early radio, eventually owning and operating a chain of YA stations throughout the country. See 1932
August 24, 1857
Evans Pass road over the Port Hills opens.
August 24, 1914
Large patriotic procession boosts war fever.
August 25, 1920
First flight over Cook Strait (Christchurch to Trentham) by Captain Euan Dickson in a Canterbury Aviation Company plane.
August 26, 1939
Official opening of City Council’s pensioner housing project in Barnett Avenue, Sydenham; the first local body pensioner housing in New Zealand.
August 26, 1986
The worst lamb loss for a decade in Canterbury due to a wet cold August, costs farmers $2.8 million.

Notes

  • This resource includes images from our photographs collection - clicking on the image will take you to a larger version of that image.
  • This resource links to various other local history resources on our website.