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
15 May 1909
THIS AFTERNOON'S MATCHES. (Star, 15 May 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 May 1909
TABLE TALK Monday evening. (Otago Witness, 19 May 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 May 1909
SENIORS. (Star, 22 May 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 May 1909
Page 5 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 22 May 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 May 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 25 May 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
26 May 1909
TABLE TALK (Otago Witness, 26 May 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 May 1909
TOWN EDITION. (Poverty Bay Herald, 27 May 1909) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 May 1909
HOCKEY. (Star, 29 May 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jun 1909
GOLF. (Star, 01 June 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Jun 1909
GOLF. (Evening Post, 01 June 1909) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Jun 1909
TABLE TALK (Otago Witness, 02 June 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Jun 1909
TO-DAY'S MATCHES. (Star, 05 June 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Jun 1909
THIS AFTERNOON'S MATCHES. (Star, 12 June 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jun 1909
FIRES. (Wanganui Chronicle, 14 June 1909) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Jun 1909
SOUTH ISLAND POULTRY ASSOCIATION. (Colonist, 15 June 1909) Colonist · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Jun 1909
Page 4 Advertisements Column 6 (Ashburton Guardian, 18 June 1909) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Jun 1909
Page 5 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 19 June 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jun 1909
THE TRAMWAYS. (Star, 24 June 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Jun 1909
Page 7 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 26 June 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
26 Jun 1909
Page 7 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 26 June 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Jun 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 29 June 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
3 Jul 1909
Page 5 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 03 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
8 Jul 1909
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 08 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jul 1909
Page 5 Advertisements Column 4 (Star, 10 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
10 Jul 1909
Page 7 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 10 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jul 1909
OTHER MATCHES. (Star, 10 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
10 Jul 1909
OPAWA, N.Z. (Poverty Bay Herald, 10 July 1909) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jul 1909
TABLE TALK (Otago Witness, 14 July 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Jul 1909
NATIONAL DEFENCE. (Taranaki Daily News 14-7-1909) Taranaki Daily News · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Jul 1909
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 15 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jul 1909
THIS AFTERNOON'S MATCHES. (Star, 17 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Jul 1909
Page 7 Advertisements Column 5 (Star, 17 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
19 Jul 1909
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 19 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Jul 1909
FOOTBALL. (Star, 21 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
22 Jul 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 22 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
23 Jul 1909
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 23 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jul 1909
PRESIDENT'S CUP. (Star, 24 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
24 Jul 1909
Page 5 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 24 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Jul 1909
THIRD EDITION. (Star, 24 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Jul 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 26 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
26 Jul 1909
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 26 July 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jul 1909
TABLE TALK (Otago Witness, 28 July 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
28 Jul 1909
PERSONAL ITEMS. (Otago Witness, 28 July 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1909
TENDERS. (Progress, 02 August 1909) Progress · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Aug 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 02 August 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Aug 1909
RICCARTON TRAINING NOTES. (Evening Post, 03 August 1909) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Aug 1909
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Star, 03 August 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Aug 1909
OUR LONDON LETTER. (Wanganui Chronicle, 05 August 1909) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
6 Aug 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, 06 August 1909) Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
7 Aug 1909
Page 1 Advertisements Column 6 (Marlborough Express, 07 August 1909) Marlborough Express · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Aug 1909
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 11 August 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Aug 1909
TABLE TALK (Otago Witness, 11 August 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Aug 1909
Page 1 Advertisements Column 3 (Evening Post, 11 August 1909) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
12 Aug 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 12 August 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Aug 1909
Page 6 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 14 August 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Aug 1909
HOCKEY. (Star, 14 August 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Aug 1909
THE CRITIC. (NZ Truth, 21 August 1909) NZ Truth · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Aug 1909
Page 7 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 21 August 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Aug 1909
BROTHERS IN DISTRESS. (NZ Truth, 21 August 1909) NZ Truth · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
21 Aug 1909
Page 5 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 21 August 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
3 Sept 1909
CHRISTCHURCH MATCHES. (Otago Daily Times 9-3-1909) Otago Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Sept 1909
TIMARU, September 6. (Otago Witness, 08 September 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
9 Sept 1909
SHIPPING. PORT OF WELLINGTON. (Evening Post, 09 September 1909) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Sept 1909
Page 7 Advertisements Column 7 (Star, 11 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Sept 1909
FOURTH CLASS. (Star, 11 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
11 Sept 1909
Page 7 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 11 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Sept 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 14 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
15 Sept 1909
SUPREME COURT. (Star, 15 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
17 Sept 1909
LATE NEW ZEALAND NEWS. (Poverty Bay Herald, 17 September 1909) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
18 Sept 1909
Page 11 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 18 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
18 Sept 1909
Page 12 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 18 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
24 Sept 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 24 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
27 Sept 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 27 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Sept 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 2 (Star, 29 September 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
29 Sept 1909
LOCAL & GENERAL. (Otago Witness, 29 September 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Oct 1909
MAGISTERIAL. (Star, 01 October 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
2 Oct 1909
Page 8 Advertisements Column 1 (Star, 02 October 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
2 Oct 1909
Page 11 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 02 October 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
5 Oct 1909
LOCAL AND GENERAL. (Hawera & Normanby Star, 05 October 1909) Hawera & Normanby Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 2 places
6 Oct 1909
TABLE TALK (Otago Witness, 06 October 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
8 Oct 1909
Page 3 Advertisements Column 3 (Star, 08 October 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
14 Oct 1909
PATENTS. (Wairarapa Daily Times, 14 October 1909) Wairarapa Daily Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
15 Oct 1909
CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 15 October 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Oct 1909
PATENTS. (Poverty Bay Herald, 16 October 1909) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
16 Oct 1909
Page 9 Advertisements Column 6 (Star, 16 October 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
16 Oct 1909
RICCARTON v. EAST CHRISTCHURCH. (Star, 16 October 1909) Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Oct 1909
TABLE TALK (Otago Witness, 20 October 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
20 Oct 1909
LOCAL & GENERAL (Otago Witness, 20 October 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
25 Oct 1909
ACCIDENTS AND FATALITIES. (Evening Post, 25 October 1909) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
26 Oct 1909
PERSONAL NOTES FROM LONDON. (Evening Post, 26 October 1909) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
27 Oct 1909
TABLE TALK. (Otago Witness, 27 October 1909) Otago Witness · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read · about 1 place
30 Oct 1909
CYCLING. (Ashburton Guardian, 30 October 1909) Ashburton Guardian · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Nov 1909
TIMARU TO CHRISTCHURCH (Wanganui Chronicle, 01 November 1909) Wanganui Chronicle · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Nov 1909
CYCLING ROAD RACE. (West Coast Times, 01 November 1909) West Coast Times · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Nov 1909
CYCLE RACES. (Poverty Bay Herald, 01 November 1909) Poverty Bay Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Nov 1909
CYCLING. (Hawera & Normanby Star, 01 November 1909) Hawera & Normanby Star · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Nov 1909
AN INAUSPICIOUS OPENING. (Nelson Evening Mail, 01 November 1909) Nelson Evening Mail · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Nov 1909
CYOLINO. (Taranaki Herald, 01 November 1909) Taranaki Herald · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Nov 1909
CYCLE ROAD RACE. (Evening Post, 01 November 1909) Evening Post · Papers Past · National Library of New Zealand · text read
1 Nov 1909
TIMARU-CHRISTCHURCH ROAD RACE. (Wairarapa Daily Times, 01 November 1909) Wairarapa Daily Times · 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