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.

“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.

8,705 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 1900s
31 Mar 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 31 March 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Apr 1908
CHRISTCHURCH AFFAIRS. (Colonist, 01 April 1908) Colonist · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Apr 1908
ADDINGTON RAILWAY FIRE BRIGADE. (Star, 03 April 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Apr 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 04 April 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
4 Apr 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 04 April 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Apr 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 11 April 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Apr 1908
ASSOCIATION. (Otago Witness, 15 April 1908) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
18 Apr 1908
EASTER TOURNAMENT. (Star, 18 April 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Apr 1908
GOLF. (Star, 21 April 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Apr 1908
GOLF. (Evening Post, 21 April 1908) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Apr 1908
GOLF. (Otago Daily Times 21-4-1908) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Apr 1908
GOLF. (Otago Witness, 22 April 1908) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Apr 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 22 April 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Apr 1908
THEATRICAL AND MUSICAL NOTES. (Otago Witness, 22 April 1908) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Apr 1908
Page 5 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 25 April 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Apr 1908
GOLF. (Otago Witness, 29 April 1908) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 May 1908
Page 5 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 02 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
2 May 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 02 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 May 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 02 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 May 1908
CHRISTCHURCH AUTUMN MEETING. (Otago Witness, 06 May 1908) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 May 1908
HOCKEY. (Star, 09 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 May 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 09 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 May 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 6 (NZ Truth, 09 May 1908) NZ Truth · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 May 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 14 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
16 May 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 16 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
16 May 1908
HOCKEY. (Star, 16 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 May 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 22 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 May 1908
Page 2 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 29 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 May 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 30 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 May 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 30 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
30 May 1908
Page 5 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 30 May 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Jun 1908
NEW PATENTS. (Wanganui Herald, 02 June 1908) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Jun 1908
DEATHS. (Star, 03 June 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jun 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 06 June 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Jun 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 06 June 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jun 1908
LICENSING COMMITTEE. (Star, 10 June 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
10 Jun 1908
TYPICAL SIRES. (Otago Witness, 10 June 1908) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Jun 1908
THE J.P. LIST. (Star, 11 June 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jun 1908
LIST OF NEW JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. (Ashburton Guardian, 12 June 1908) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
13 Jun 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 13 June 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jun 1908
LOCAL & GENERAL (Otago Witness, 17 June 1908) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Jun 1908
Page 10 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 18 June 1908) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 5 places
18 Jun 1908
A VARIED CAREER. (Evening Post, 18 June 1908) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
18 Jun 1908
WESTLAND MAORI NOMENCLATURE. (Grey River Argus, 18 June 1908) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Jun 1908
Page 10 Advertisements Column 5 (Evening Post, 19 June 1908) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 4 places
20 Jun 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Grey River Argus, 20 June 1908) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Jun 1908
ANOTHER FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH. CHRISTCHURCH, June 19. (Hawera & Normanby Star, 20 June 1908) Hawera & Normanby Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Jun 1908
JUNIORS. (Star, 20 June 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Jun 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 27 June 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Jul 1908
THIS AFTERNOON'S GAMES. (Star, 04 July 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Jul 1908
EDUCATION BOARD. (Star, 08 July 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
8 Jul 1908
SHIPPING. (Evening Post, 08 July 1908) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Jul 1908
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Ashburton Guardian, 09 July 1908) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Jul 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 11 July 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
11 Jul 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 11 July 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jul 1908
MAGISTERIAL. (Star, 14 July 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Jul 1908
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Wairarapa Daily Times, 16 July 1908) Wairarapa Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
17 Jul 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 17 July 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Jul 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 18 July 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
24 Jul 1908
Grey River Argus and Blackball news. PUBLISHED DAILY. FRIDAY, JULY 24th, 1908 (Grey River Argus, 24 July 1908) Grey River Argus · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Jul 1908
JUNIOR MATCHES. (Star, 25 July 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
31 Jul 1908
OUR LONDON LETTER. (Wanganui Chronicle, 31 July 1908) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Aug 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 01 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
1 Aug 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 01 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Aug 1908
JUNIORS. ALDINGTON v. CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 01 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
4 Aug 1908
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Ashburton Guardian, 04 August 1908) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Aug 1908
NEW ZEALAND COURT (Evening Post, 12 August 1908) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Aug 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 15 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Aug 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 15 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Aug 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 15 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Aug 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 15 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Aug 1908
HOCKEY. (Star, 15 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Aug 1908
Page 1 Advertisements Column 4 (Evening Post, 22 August 1908) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Aug 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 24 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Aug 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 26 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Aug 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 4 (Wairarapa Daily Times, 27 August 1908) Wairarapa Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Aug 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 29 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Aug 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 29 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Aug 1908
TO-DAY'S MATCHES. (Star, 29 August 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Sept 1908
Page 5 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 05 September 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 3 places
5 Sept 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 05 September 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Sept 1908
Page 6 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 05 September 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Sept 1908
Racing Fixtures (Observer, 05 September 1908) Observer · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Sept 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 07 September 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Sept 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 08 September 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Sept 1908
TABLE TALK (Otago Witness, 09 September 1908) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Sept 1908
Page 4 Advertisements Column 5 (Ashburton Guardian, 14 September 1908) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Sept 1908
Page 3 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 16 September 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Sept 1908
Page 7 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 19 September 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
19 Sept 1908
CHRISTCHURCH CANAL. (Star, 19 September 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Sept 1908
GOLF. (Wanganui Herald, 22 September 1908) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Sept 1908
GOLF. (Taranaki Herald, 22 September 1908) Taranaki Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Sept 1908
GOLF. (Poverty Bay Herald, 22 September 1908) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Sept 1908
GOLF. (Star, 22 September 1908) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Sept 1908
GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES. (Nelson Evening Mail, 22 September 1908) Nelson Evening Mail · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Sept 1908
GOLF. NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING. (Evening Post, 22 September 1908) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Sept 1908
GOLF TOURNAMENT. (Evening Post, 23 September 1908) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Sept 1908
GOLF (Wanganui Herald, 23 September 1908) Wanganui Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Sept 1908
GOLF. (Wanganui Chronicle, 23 September 1908) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
23 Sept 1908
GOLF. (Poverty Bay Herald, 23 September 1908) Poverty Bay Herald · 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