The big 150th Canterbury Anniversary party might be over but reminders can still be obtained.

Jo Hockly, area manager for Events in Mind, carrier of the official 150th Anniversary merchandise, says merchandise sales over the weekend had been just chaotic: "We had a fantastic response to the merchandise at events all weekend and have sold out of pins, teaspoons, goblets and coffee mugs.

The Canterbury Passports were also a huge success."

There are still some lovely items remaining, particularly the bandannas, straw hats, caps, polo shirts, pens and key rings.

Ms Hockly says Events in Mind was honoured that a set of glass drink coasters, etched with the Canterbury 150th logo, were presented to the Governor General, Sir Michael Hardie Boys, by the chairman of the Turning Point 2000 Trust, Ian Leggat.

Commemorative coins of 99.99% pure New Zealand gold (on sale for $395) are also still available. The highly collectable, limited edition coins are expected to be snapped up by British residents connected with the Canterbury Association and early Canterbury settlers.

Sales have been strong locally and one Christchurch resident bought five, one for each of his children. Others went for birthdays and Christmas presents. Turning Point 2000 has filled coin orders from Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, England, and Japan.

The coin depicts European settlers arriving at Lyttelton in 1850 and features a Maori design by Cliff Whiting.

Each coin is packed in a capsule inside a hand-made box of recycled rimu and an individually numbered certificate of authenticity.

Profits from coin and merchandise sales will help fund the 150th Anniversary celebrations.

Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz

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