Story: Canterbury region

Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings (1st of 2)

Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings

After Canterbury Province was founded in 1853, the Provincial Council became the main focus of political activity. Local architect Benjamin Mountfort designed the magnificent Provincial Council Buildings in Christchurch, which were built in three stages between 1858 and 1865. In the foreground is the earliest wooden section. The buildings were severely damaged in the February 2011 earthquake, and in 2018 restoration work was put off until at least 2029 because of the cost ($204 million).

Using this item

Christchurch City Libraries
Reference: PhotoCD 14, IMG0015

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How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'Canterbury region - Politics and government', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10343/canterbury-provincial-council-buildings (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John Wilson, reviewed & revised 6 Jul 2015