No big celebration for Canterbury's 175th anniversary

A re-enactment of early colonial life at Pilgrims Rock in Lyttelton during the 150th anniversary celebrations in 2000. Photo: File image

There will be no large-scale celebrations of Canterbury’s 175th anniversary later this year, with the group behind the effort not applying for city council funding.

NZ Heritage Events members saw obstacles in city council bureaucracy and a lack of support from Ngāi Tahu rūnanga as creating too many barriers for a larger event or funding to get approval.

NZ Heritage Events was a small committee made up of historical enthusiasts and event organisers, formed with the purpose of engaging with city council staff about creating 175th anniversary celebrations.

A spokesperson confirmed the group would not be applying for funding.

No support for milestone anniversary event

Smaller-scale events are being worked on by the Canterbury Pilgrims and Early Settlers Association and Ferrymead Heritage Park, and the city council is planning a small civic ceremony in Lyttelton later this year.

It could include a walk over the Bridle Path and an educational booth at the Royal A&P Show in November, but nothing has been finalised.

The decision comes after The Star revealed in February the city council would not support large-scale events to mark the arrival of European settlers, as was done for the 150th anniversary.

“We have shifted towards more inclusive and balanced historical narratives since the 150th anniversary in 2000, which has greater recognition of Māori perspectives and the historical harm of colonisation,” said a city council spokesperson at the time.

The anniversary marks the arrival of the first four European ships to Lyttelton Harbour in December 1850.

Canterbury Pilgrims and Settlers Association secretary Linda McFarlane said it was disappointing there will be no large-scale events, but hopes “people will still be able to celebrate the anniversary in their own ways”.