Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger has asked Council staff to reconsider their decision not to support an official 175th Canterbury anniversary celebration.
The move follows a public backlash over the Council’s refusal to formally endorse the milestone, with staff citing colonial concerns as one of the reasons for their decision.
On Monday, a Council spokesperson told chrislynchmedia.com, “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.”
However, on Tuesday afternoon, after public polls by The Christchurch Star and Chris Lynch Media showed overwhelming support for a formal celebration, the Council softened its stance.
In a statement to Chris Lynch Media, Phil Mauger said he had spoken with the Council’s Chief Executive about the issue.
“While the Chief Executive reiterated that it was an operational decision not to support the list of activities suggested by an organiser, I have asked that Civic and International Relations develop a plan for an appropriate civic event to commemorate the occasion in December, which will be done.”
The reversal follows criticism from Christchurch residents, who accused the Council of erasing local history and ignoring strong public support for an official celebration.
It has also emerged that Council staff did not consult elected representatives before their decision was publicly revealed in The Christchurch Star last week.
Heathcote Councillor and Mayoral candidate Sara Templeton said “My understanding is that CCC is going to host a civic event to mark the 175th anniversary, which is great.
“Acknowledging our history at times like this helps us to understand where we have come from, who we are now and who we want to be as a city, as we saw with well attended Waitangi Day events across the Ōtautahi Christchurch and Banks Peninsula Te Pataka o Rakaihautū” Templeton said.
Hornby Councillor Mark Peters said, “It’s an important anniversary at 175 years and should be celebrated and commemorated accordingly.
“Residents are passionate about and proud of our Christchurch history, and it is deserving of being celebrated.
“The founding of our city by those arriving 175 years ago is an important milestone in our Christchurch and Canterbury history, and it needs to be celebrated and commemorated in an appropriate way.”
Halswell Councillor Andrei Moore said, “I don’t know specifically what support is being sought but am open to supporting in some way.
“I see Ferrymead Heritage Park will be holding events, and Council has been supporting them financially for some time.
“Council always seems to have an endless pot of money from this era to restore buildings from this era, so if we need savings, we should also look at these.
“They already celebrate it every November with a public holiday, and that’s still going ahead.
“For me personally, it means opportunity. I’m an immigrant who is very lucky to have grown up here and I try to celebrate every day. I’m open to hearing out both sides of the debate, from those with bloodlines here that go back a lot longer than mine.
“I’ve still got a lot to learn about our history before I have the right to tell anyone what I think is OK and what’s not.”
Burwood Councillor Kelly Barber said, “I think it will be important for many people, and I’d support celebrating that.
“My own ancestors came to New Zealand and Canterbury 160 years ago looking for a better life, and I’m so glad they had the courage to make the journey. I’ve seen enough of the world to know this is paradise.”
Barber continued, “I think there is strong support because we love Christchurch and Canterbury, and most of us know exactly when either our ancestors first arrived here or remember when they arrived here themselves.
“It’s just one of many milestones in the history of our city and province, and I’d like to think we all can celebrate it together, whenever it was we got here.”
Waimāri Councillor Sam MacDonald said, “I am really pleased the Mayor has stepped in to sort this out.
“The decision was never brought to Council as it’s operational, but sometimes these things need intervention. The Mayor and CE work closely together, so it’s great they can work through this.”
Harewood Councillor Aaron Keown said he supported a civic function.
“Yes, we should. I’m very proud to be a Cantabrian. The majority of Christchurch people are proud of the city and proud of our history.
“No matter how we all got here, we did, and that should be celebrated.
“Over the last 175 years, many generations from every corner of the world have managed to create the greatest little city in the world.
“We should be proud of that and celebrate the achievement.”
Fendalton Councillor James Gough said, “The 175th anniversary of Canterbury is an important milestone that deserves recognition.
“It’s not about diminishing Māori history or ignoring the impacts of colonisation—it’s about acknowledging the foundation of Christchurch as a city and the people who have contributed to shaping it.
“This was never a question asked of councillors, and I think it’s clear that staff obviously misread it. The founding of Canterbury inherently defines our region’s history, and, unquestionably, it should be honoured and commemorated appropriately.
“I’m very pleased that Mayor Phil has asked the Chief Executive and the Civic & International Relations team to develop a plan to support the occasion. It’s the right decision, and I fully support it.”
Gough said, *“The strong public support reflects a shared sense of pride in our city’s history and identity.
“Christchurch has been through a lot in recent decades—from earthquakes to the terror attack to the pandemic—and moments like this provide an opportunity for reflection, celebration, and the coming together of all our diverse communities.
“I think the public understands that recognising Canterbury’s 175th anniversary isn’t about rewriting history—it’s about acknowledging where we’ve come from and how we’re growing as a modern and inclusive region.”
For Gough, the anniversary was deeply personal.
“My great-great-great-grandfather, Isaac Philpott, arrived in Canterbury aboard the Randolph as one of the early settlers.
“Like so many others, he came seeking a new beginning, and his journey was part of the story that helped shape the city we know today.
“Recognising this anniversary is about honouring that history—not just for those with early settler connections, but for everyone who has made Canterbury home.
“Our city was built by people with vision, resilience, and determination, and marking this milestone allows us to reflect on that legacy while looking forward to our future.”
Gough said Christchurch City Council had a duty to ensure the occasion was properly marked.
“It’s excellent news that Mayor Phil is ensuring plans are now being developed to support this significant event.”
Linwood Councillor Yani Johanson said “It is important milestone in regards to the history of Christchurch and should be recognised.
“I was surprised to read about the Council not supporting it in the media, given there had been no discussion with us as councillors over it.
“As such I raised concerns with the Council organisation and sought a briefing to see what we could do. Following on from your media inquiry and chasing up again I received the following response:” which was the statement by the mayor on the matter.
Johanson said “People like to commemorate significant milestones. Christchurch has always been a city that likes to celebrate its heritage and its history. Our city events such as Heritage Week or Open Christchurch are always incredibly popular with the public to share and remember our culture, our stories, our journeys, our environment and our buildings.”
“It is a time to reflect on our history and journey as a city. It is not mutually exclusive and doesn’t mean that we cannot recognise other significant events and milestones of mana whenua. We can and should do both” Johanson said.
Other councillors didn’t respond for comment before this article’s publication.
