How many records does the archive hold?

74,024 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.

“Smith and Smith”, the shelf

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

7,056 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
30 Aug 1887
ELECTION NEWS. (Star, 30 August 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Sept 1887
Page 4 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 01 September 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
1 Sept 1887
Untitled (Hawke's Bay Herald, 01 September 1887) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Sept 1887
MEETING OF CREDITORS. (Otago Witness, 02 September 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Sept 1887
Page 1 Advertisements Column 9 (Otago Daily Times, 07 September 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
9 Sept 1887
The Municipal Elections. (Evening Post, 09 September 1887) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Sept 1887
TURF GOSSIP. (Auckland Star, 17 September 1887) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Sept 1887
THE OTAGO TOUR OF 1887. (Otago Witness, 23 September 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Sept 1887
MOTION ITEMS. (Star, 23 September 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Sept 1887
FOOTBALL. (Otago Daily Times, 24 September 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
27 Sept 1887
DEFEAT OF SIR ROBERT STOUT (Feilding Star, 27 September 1887) Feilding Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Sept 1887
TWO PREVIOUS GENERAL ELECTIONS. (Marlborough Express, 27 September 1887) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Sept 1887
GENERAL ELECTION. (Poverty Bay Herald, 27 September 1887) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Sept 1887
CONTESTED SEATS. (Taranaki Herald, 27 September 1887) Taranaki Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Sept 1887
colonial returns. (Mataura Ensign, 30 September 1887) Mataura Ensign · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Oct 1887
Marlborough Express. Published Every Evening. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1887. LOCAL AND GENERAL NEWS. (Marlborough Express, 04 October 1887) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Oct 1887
SCHOOL COMMITTEES. (Star, 11 October 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Oct 1887
West Coast Times. MONDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1887. (West Coast Times, 17 October 1887) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Oct 1887
NOTES BY BEACON. (Otago Witness, 21 October 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Oct 1887
Hawke's Bay Herald. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26; 1887. AN EXTRAORDINARY STRIKE. (Hawke's Bay Herald, 26 October 1887) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Nov 1887
COMMERCIAL. (Otago Daily Times, 02 November 1887) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Nov 1887
ST JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION. (Star, 05 November 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Nov 1887
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Hawke's Bay Herald, 07 November 1887) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Nov 1887
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 11 November 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Nov 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 17 November 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Nov 1887
AUSTRALIA." (Evening Post, 24 November 1887) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Nov 1887
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Timaru Herald, 26 November 1887) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Nov 1887
Page 2 Advertisements Column 5 (Grey River Argus, 26 November 1887) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Dec 1887
OTAGO A. & P. SOCIETY'S SHOW. (Otago Witness, 02 December 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
21 Dec 1887
Local & General. (Star, 21 December 1887) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Dec 1887
Christchurch, December 20. CRICKET. (Otago Witness, 23 December 1887) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jan 1888
THE DAILY OTAGO TIMES (Otago Daily Times, 12 January 1888) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Jan 1888
PUPIL TEACHERS' EXAMINATION. (Star, 20 January 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 3 places
21 Jan 1888
Telegraphic. (Hawke's Bay Herald, 21 January 1888) Hawke's Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Jan 1888
WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. (Hawera & Normanby Star, 23 January 1888) Hawera & Normanby Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Jan 1888
UNIVERSITY OP NEW ZEALAND. (Star, 26 January 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jan 1888
UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS. (Auckland Star, 27 January 1888) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Feb 1888
SANE PEOPLE IN THE ASYLUM. (Auckland Star, 01 February 1888) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Feb 1888
NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY. MATRICULATION EXAMINATIONS. (Otago Witness, 03 February 1888) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Feb 1888
Local & General. (Star, 03 February 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Feb 1888
Page 4 Advertisements Column 6 (Evening Post, 06 February 1888) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
14 Feb 1888
Untitled (Bruce Herald, 14 February 1888) Bruce Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Feb 1888
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 17 February 1888) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
18 Feb 1888
THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES (Otago Daily Times, 18 February 1888) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
22 Feb 1888
NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY. (Otago Daily Times, 22 February 1888) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Feb 1888
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 24 February 1888) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Feb 1888
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 28 February 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Mar 1888
THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES (Otago Daily Times, 12 March 1888) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Mar 1888
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 13 March 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Mar 1888
Local & General. (Star, 14 March 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
16 Mar 1888
Peninsula News. (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 16 March 1888) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
20 Mar 1888
MAGISTERIAL.. (Star, 20 March 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Apr 1888
MAGISTRATES' COURT. (Star, 11 April 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Apr 1888
West Coast Times. TUESDAY, APRIL 17, 1888. (West Coast Times, 17 April 1888) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Apr 1888
SOCIAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Daily Times, 18 April 1888) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Apr 1888
EAST CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 24 April 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 May 1888
Local & General. (Star, 03 May 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 May 1888
Education Board's Scholarships. (Star, 04 May 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 May 1888
Local & General. (Star, 10 May 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 May 1888
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 15 May 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 May 1888
Local & General. (Star, 29 May 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jun 1888
NEWS OF THE DAY. (Bush Advocate, 12 June 1888) Bush Advocate · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Jun 1888
SPORTING NOTES. (Wanganui Chronicle, 20 June 1888) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Jun 1888
FOOTBALL. (Star, 21 June 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Jul 1888
Untitled (Daily Telegraph, 03 July 1888) Daily Telegraph · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Jul 1888
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 13 July 1888) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
13 Jul 1888
FOOTBALL. (Otago Witness, 13 July 1888) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Jul 1888
JUNIOR CUP. (Star, 30 July 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1888
Football Fixtures. (Star, 02 August 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1888
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 02 August 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Aug 1888
FOOTBALL. (Star, 16 August 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Aug 1888
Local & General. (Star, 18 August 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
18 Aug 1888
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Grey River Argus, 18 August 1888) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Aug 1888
TEMPERANCE. (Star, 24 August 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Aug 1888
The Inangahua Times. PUBLISHED TRI-WEEKLY. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 1888. (Inangahua Times, 29 August 1888) Inangahua Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Sept 1888
Evening Post. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1888. (Evening Post, 15 September 1888) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
7 Nov 1888
Page 1 Advertisements Column 2 (Timaru Herald, 07 November 1888) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Nov 1888
Page 1 Advertisements Column 1 (Otago Daily Times, 08 November 1888) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Nov 1888
Page 4 Advertisements Column 2 (Otago Daily Times, 26 November 1888) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Nov 1888
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 28 November 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 Nov 1888
INTERPROVINCIAL. (Timaru Herald, 30 November 1888) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
7 Dec 1888
TABLE TALK. (Auckland Star, 07 December 1888) Auckland Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Dec 1888
Latest Locals. (Star, 10 December 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Dec 1888
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 14 December 1888) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Dec 1888
Local & General. (Star, 15 December 1888) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
15 Dec 1888
THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1888. (Otago Daily Times, 15 December 1888) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Dec 1888
THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1888. (Otago Daily Times, 17 December 1888) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
4 Jan 1889
TALK OF THE DAY. (Otago Witness, 04 January 1889) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
9 Jan 1889
TOWN & COUNTRY. (Timaru Herald, 09 January 1889) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Jan 1889
Local & General. (Star, 11 January 1889) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jan 1889
CHRISTCHURCH, (Colonist, 12 January 1889) Colonist · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Jan 1889
Page 1 Advertisements Column 2 (Timaru Herald, 16 January 1889) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Jan 1889
Page 1 Advertisements Column 2 (Timaru Herald, 23 January 1889) Timaru Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jan 1889
Untitled (Daily Telegraph, 24 January 1889) Daily Telegraph · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jan 1889
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ZEALAND. (Star, 24 January 1889) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Feb 1889
SHIPPING, (Otago Daily Times, 06 February 1889) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Feb 1889
Untitled (Star, 12 February 1889) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Feb 1889
WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. (Otago Daily Times, 20 February 1889) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Feb 1889
BOWLING. (Otago Daily Times, 21 February 1889) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Feb 1889
Belfast School. (Star, 22 February 1889) 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.

“Smith and Smith”, the shelf

The shelf

Its patch