History & heritage  |  30 Apr 2019

Share this story

The many communities that make up Christchurch and Banks Peninsula are being encouraged to share their stories as part of the city’s three week heritage festival in October.

Encounter Our Stories has been chosen as the theme of Christchurch Heritage Festival 2019 – previously known as Heritage Week - and organisers are calling on communities across the city to get involved.

Carmelite nuns talk from behind a wire screen.

Christchurch’s community of Carmelite nuns shared part of their story during Beca Heritage Week 2016. Now other community groups are being encouraged to share their stories as part of a longer Christchurch Heritage Festival.

The theme builds on the Tuia – Encounters 250 commemorations taking place around the country this year, marking 250 years since the first meetings between Māori and Europeans on the shores of Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Every community in our city has a story to tell. We’re hoping many of our communities will want to share their stories by running an event or activity during the Christchurch Heritage Festival,’’ says Christchurch City Council Head of Urban Regeneration, Urban Design and Heritage, Carolyn Ingles.

“This year’s festival is all about sharing the stories of the past and celebrating the diverse heritage of all those who call Christchurch home,’’ Ms Ingles says.

Community groups, businesses and individuals with ideas for festival events are invited to attend a community meeting between 5pm and 6pm on Tuesday 7 May in the first floor Function Room in Te Hononga Christchurch City Council building at 53 Hereford Street.

“The meeting will be an opportunity for people to share ideas, ask questions and consider how they might like to be involved in the festival,’’ Ms Ingles says.

After that meeting those interested in taking part in the festival can lodge an online application to become involved.  Some funding is available to support the community events programme.

The Christchurch Heritage Festival will run from 7 to 28 October.  To get in touch with the organisers please email heritage@ccc.govt.nz.