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Story: Scots

Hay’s roof: a Christchurch institution

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Hay’s roof: a Christchurch institution

In the 20th century, Scots remained a driving force in New Zealand business. In Christchurch, James Hay’s innovative retailing techniques included a children’s pleasure ground on the roof of his store, which encouraged children to persuade their mothers to shop at Hay’s.

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Canterbury Museum

Reference: 12008

Permission of Canterbury Museum, Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

John Wilson, Scots – Scots and the economy, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/205/hays-roof-a-christchurch-institution (accessed 11 June 2026).

Story by John Wilson, published 4 March 2009, updated 1 August 2024.