Press release 19 October 2006

Heritage Week marks 100 years since International Exhibition 1906 -1907

It’s been 100 years since Christchurch hosted the International Exhibition 1906-1907, which attracted nearly 2 million visitors at a time when New Zealand’s total population was less than 1 million.

A brainchild of the then Premier of New Zealand, Richard Seddon, the exhibition opened on 1 November, 1906 in Hagley Park – a few months after Seddon’s death. The Exhibition buildings were at the time the largest structures ever built in New Zealand. About 5.7 hectares in Hagley Park was under cover and a number of these structures ended up in various parts of the city over time.

During Carter Group Heritage Week October 13 to 23, the exhibitions and displays part of the programme provides opportunities to view some of these hidden International Exhibition treasures. The fernery was shifted to Mona Vale, along with a demonstration State house, which now stands at 52 Longfellow Street.

The Botanic Gardens information centre is hosting The International Exhibition 1906-1907: A Landscape Transformed, a Nation Created from 9am to 4pm, until 23 October. Entry is free. See for yourself how Hagley Park was transformed through this photographic display.

A gold coin donation will give you entry to 196 Fitzgerald Avenue to view some hidden treasures from the International Exhibition. This villa’s amazing decorative plasterwork also comes from the 1906 Exhibition.

For more information on an exhibition which showcased New Zealand to the world, visit the Christchurch City Council Libraries http://library.christchurch.org.nz/Heritage/Exhibitions/1906/ website.

These exhibitions and displays are among more than 350 events being offered during the Carter Group Heritage Week 2006, October 13 to 23. The full programme of Heritage Week events is available at all Council libraries and services centres, and on line at www.heritageweek.co.nz or on request by phoning 941 8628.

ENDS

© Scoop Media