A Canterbury history enthusiast is calling on the public to help track down missing historic plaques, suspected to have been stolen.
Leslie Gilder told chrislynchmedia.com she was shocked to discover the number of plaques missing across Christchurch.
These include a plaque at Ashgrove Reserve in Somerfield, which was “purchased by public subscription for the citizens of Christchurch” in December 1963, with the support of then-Christchurch Mayor George Manning.
Ashgrove Reserve plaque in Somerfield,
She also found that an historic drain plaque from Addington Cemetery was missing.
This plaque commemorated deadly diseases like typhoid in the 1880s.
Historic drain plaque from Addington Cemetery
In addition, Leslie reported the disappearance of a drinking fountain once located at Dickens Street Reserve in Addington.
Drinking fountain once located at Dickens Street Reserve in Addington.
The list doesn’t stop there — she also noted a missing grave plaque from Addington Cemetery and another plaque missing from Ruskin Reserve.
Leslie said it wa concerning that this was happening so frequently.
She believed scrap metal dealers would likely realise these plaques would have been stolen, given their significance.
As a geocacher, Leslie expressed particular frustration. Geocaching is a global treasure-hunting activity where participants use GPS devices or smartphone apps to locate hidden containers, or “geocaches,” in outdoor spaces.
Many geocaches incorporate local landmarks, historical sites, or plaques as part of their clues for solving multi-caches or adventure labs.
These plaques often hold key information that is vital to the game, and their disappearance affects geocachers who enjoy exploring history and uncovering hidden treasures in their communities.
“I’m also a huge fan of plaques, and I absolutely love history,” Leslie said.
“Losing these plaques robs us of pieces of our shared heritage and makes it harder for others to connect with the past.”
Christchurch City Council Head of Parks Rupert Bool said “the Christchurch City Council shares the community’s concerns about the disappearance of historic plaques, which commemorate significant events and individuals that have shaped our city.
“We take these incidents seriously, recording all reported thefts and allocating an annual budget for plaque renewal or replacement to preserve our shared heritage.
“To address the rise in thefts targeting plaques for scrap value, the Council is exploring alternative materials that deter theft while maintaining historical integrity” Bool said.
