How many records does the archive hold?

81,477 records about Christchurch, every one linked at the provider that keeps the original.

How far back does the archive reach?

1800, the oldest record on file.

Where do the records come from?

30 collections: council archives, Papers Past, DigitalNZ’s partners, cemetery registers, the heritage list itself. The shelf says what exists and where it lives.

Are these documents verified?

They are leads and citations, not evidence, a record says a document exists and where to read it. What a document actually says is only claimed once somebody has read it; those readings live on the place pages.

“"a"”, the shelf

Every record the archive holds about Christchurch, the oldest first. The originals live at the provider each row links to.

60,289 records matching 100 of these 100 with their text read Papers Past · Canterbury Stories · Kura Heritage Collections Online · Te Papa Collections Online · National Publicity Studios black and white file prints · TAPUHI · Canterbury Museum · Auckland Museum Collections · New Zealand Gazette · Digital Public Library of America · V.C. Browne & Son NZ Aerial Photograph Collection · Christchurch City Libraries Flickr · Hocken Digital Collections · Museums Victoria · Air Force Museum of New Zealand Photograph Collection · Wellington City Council Archives · The New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero · New Zealand Electronic Text Collection · Christchurch City Libraries Heritage Images Collection · Lincoln University Living Heritage: Tikaka Tuku Iho · Flickr · Radio New Zealand · Alexander Turnbull Library Flickr · Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki · Te Hikoi Museum · iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao · Manawatū Heritage · Canterbury Photography Museum · Akaroa Museum · Hawke's Bay Museum

the 1880s
22 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 22 May 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 May 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 7 (Timaru Herald, 22 May 1882) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Herald, 22 May 1882) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 22 May 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 May 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Otago Daily Times, 22 May 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 May 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 8 (Timaru Herald, 24 May 1882) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
24 May 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Otago Daily Times, 24 May 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 May 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Otago Daily Times, 25 May 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
25 May 1882
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 25 May 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 25 May 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 May 1882
EHHIBITION AWARDS. (Hawke's Bay Herald, 25 May 1882) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 May 1882
Local & General. (Star, 25 May 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 May 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 25 May 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 26 May 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH MARKETS. (BY TELEGRAPH.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 25. (North Otago Times, 26 May 1882) North Otago Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 26 May 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. (Waikato Times, 27 May 1882) Waikato Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 May 1882
Telegraphic Brief. (Otago Witness, 27 May 1882) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 27 May 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Herald, 27 May 1882) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 May 1882
MARRIAGES. (Otago Witness, 27 May 1882) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 29 May 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 May 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 5 (Otago Daily Times, 30 May 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
30 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Herald, 30 May 1882) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 30 May 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Poverty Bay Herald, 31 May 1882) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 May 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 31 May 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 May 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 31 May 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jun 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 5 (Otago Daily Times, 01 June 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
1 Jun 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 01 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 01 June 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Jun 1882
Page 2 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 02 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
2 Jun 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 02 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
2 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Herald, 02 June 1882) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 02 June 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Jun 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 8 (Timaru Herald, 03 June 1882) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
3 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 03 June 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 05 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH EAST. (Star, 05 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jun 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 5 (Otago Daily Times, 05 June 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jun 1882
The Otago Daily Times. TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 1882. (Otago Daily Times, 06 June 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jun 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 06 June 1882) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jun 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 06 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Jun 1882
INTERPROVINCIAL. (Tuapeka Times, 07 June 1882) Tuapeka Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Jun 1882
SYDENHAM LICENSING COMMTTEE. (Star, 07 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Jun 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 09 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jun 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 10 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jun 1882
News of the Week. (Otago Witness, 10 June 1882) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jun 1882
The Otago Daily Times. MONDAY, JUNE 12, 1882. (Otago Daily Times, 12 June 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 12 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jun 1882
TELEGRAMS. (Otago Daily Times, 14 June 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Jun 1882
COLLING WOOD. (Colonist, 15 June 1882) Colonist · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
15 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 15 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 16 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Jun 1882
Untitled (Clutha Leader, 16 June 1882) Clutha Leader · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH MARKETS. (BY TELEGRAPH) Christchurch, June 15. (North Otago Times, 16 June 1882) North Otago Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jun 1882
Page 2 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 17 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jun 1882
News of the Week. (Otago Witness, 17 June 1882) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Jun 1882
Local & General. (Star, 19 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH CLUB. (Star, 19 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Jun 1882
EAST CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 19 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 21 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Jun 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 21 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Jun 1882
TELEGRAMS. (Southland Times, 22 June 1882) Southland Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH MARKETS. (By TELEGRAPH) Christchurch, June 22. (North Otago Times, 23 June 1882) North Otago Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jun 1882
The Otago Daily Times. SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 1882. (Otago Daily Times, 24 June 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 26 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Jun 1882
ROAD BOARDS. (Star, 26 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jun 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 27 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jun 1882
The Otago Daily Times. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 28, 1882. (Otago Daily Times, 28 June 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Jun 1882
The Otago Daily Times. THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 18S2. (Otago Daily Times, 29 June 1882) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 30 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Jun 1882
CHRISTCHURCH NEWS (Grey River Argus, 30 June 1882) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Jun 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 30 June 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jul 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Timaru Herald, 01 July 1882) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Thames Star, 01 July 1882) Thames Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 03 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Herald, 03 July 1882) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Jul 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 7 (Timaru Herald, 04 July 1882) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 06 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 07 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Jul 1882
Page 2 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 07 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Jul 1882
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 08 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 08 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Jul 1882
Cricket. (Otago Witness, 08 July 1882) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 10 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jul 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 7 (Timaru Herald, 10 July 1882) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jul 1882
Local & General. (Star, 10 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Poverty Bay Herald, 11 July 1882) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 12 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 13 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jul 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Auckland Star, 14 July 1882) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jul 1882
VITAL STATISTICS. (Star, 14 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Poverty Bay Herald, 15 July 1882) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jul 1882
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 17 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 17 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jul 1882
Page 4 Advertisements Column 1 (Auckland Star, 17 July 1882) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 18 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Wanganui Chronicle, 18 July 1882) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Jul 1882
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 19 July 1882) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read

Most of these originals are not republishable here, the link goes to the provider that keeps them. A search result is a lead, not evidence: what a document actually says is only claimed once somebody has read it, and those readings live on the place pages.

“"a"”, the shelf

The shelf

Its patch