Council communications and engagement advisor Maria Cullen says the search is on for memories from people who worked at the hall or attended significant meetings or events there.
‘‘We are interested in any archived material to help share the story of this iconic building over the past century.
“Whether you have photos from significant moments, old posters advertising shows, or memories from a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we'd love to hear from you.”
Cullen says staff have already been talking with people who worked there many years ago and are planning on assembling a series of information panels showcasing the history of the building and the community.
Any materials submitted may be used as part of the centenary celebrations, which staff are planning to hold later this year.
“We were initially aiming for the end of May to get the panels in, but we wanted to give people a bit more time to submit photos and stories, etc, before a formal centenary celebration is held later in the year.
“As part of our research, we made contact with descendants of the woman who officially opened the new town hall on May 27, 1926.”
The Christchurch Star carried a story about the occasion in its May 28, 1926, edition, detailing the weather on the day, which was bright and sunny, and about Mrs McIntosh officially opening Rangiora’s new town hall and public library in front of a large ‘‘assemblage of its citizens and guests’’, which included the Mayor and Mayoress of Christchurch, local MPs and councillors.
The golden key to the town hall’s front door, which she was presented with on the day, has sadly been misplaced over the years, but her great-granddaughters, Liz O’Grady and Jane Evans, still remember it being in the family’s possession years ago.
“It’s been a lot of fun looking back at the history of Bene and Robert McIntosh, our great grandparents,” says Liz.
“Robert and his brother Hector McIntosh were the mayors of Rangiora and Kaiapoi at the same time, and Dudley Park was donated by Robert, whose nearby house has only recently been demolished, so our family still has a major connection with Rangiora and the Waimakariri district.”
- If you would like to offer any memorabilia, old photos or stories, contact Maria Cullen at the district council, or visit www.waimakariri.govt.nz/council/news-and-information/2026/04/public-invi...
