Connecting with our region’s heritage
Christchurch City Council Newsline: 24th September 2025
Find out more about the heritage of our district during the Christchurch Heritage Festival 2025.
The Christchurch Heritage Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of Council collaboration with heritage organisations and community event providers to share events with our district.
While the festival has evolved over the years, its kaupapa remains unchanged: sharing the stories of the past helps strengthen our relationships and connects us to this place.
The 2025 programme will run from 11th to 27th October at various locations across Christchurch, Banks Peninsula and Selwyn. This year’s theme is Building Place – evolving communities.
“The festival offers the opportunity for residents to connect with and find out more about the place we live,” says Festival Coordinator Deborah Cosgrove.
“Events in this year’s festival share stories related to historic events, buildings and people that shaped the development of our region and some events acknowledge anniversaries which fall this year.”
One of the anniversaries marked by an event during the 2025 Heritage Festival is 200 years since the birth of Canterbury architect Benjamin Mountfort.
Benjamin Mountfort played a key role in defining the Gothic Revival architectural character of Christchurch.
A lecture at the Art Gallery on 15th October will examine Mountfort’s contribution to New Zealand’s colonial architectural history.
Other anniversary themed events include:
- 150 years since the Akaroa Coronation Library was built: Visit an open day at the historic library between 17th and 27th October.
- 140 years of Richmond’s Avebury House: Celebrate Richmond’s Avebury House during an open day on 18th October.
- 80 years since the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings: View an exhibition at the University of Canterbury from 11th to 28th October.
- 50 years since the 1975 Māori Land March: Join a tour of the exhibition - He Kapuka Oneone – A Handful of Soil, at the Art Gallery between 11th and 27th October.
- 50 years of creativity at The Arts Centre is celebrated with an event showcasing some the amazing talent fostered here at the National Historic Landmark event. Join an evening of celebrations on 23rd October.
- 30 years of the Christchurch Tramway: Come along for an exclusive tram ride on Saturday 18th October.
View the full programme for the Christchurch Heritage Festival, including how to book.