World Wars in Miniature: Marking 80yrs since the end of WWII

World Wars in Miniature displays and memorabilia this year marking 80 years since the end of WWII on Anzac Day. Four large dioramas depicting battles from WW1 and WW2, new models have been added this year. Lots of original memorabilia and authentic Army and Airforce uniforms for you to try on.

Venue: St Nicholas Church Hall, 231 Barrington Street, Spreydon

FREE EVENT

Click here for more information

A dawn service in Cathedral Square will give Christchurch residents a chance to remember New Zealand’s fallen soldiers on Anzac Day.

This year for the third time since the 2011 Earthquakes, we will be returning to Cathedral Square under the Citizen’s War Memorial.

The commemorations that mark Australia and New Zealand’s Gallipoli campaign will begin at 6.15am when war veterans will gather at the Worcester Bridge and then parade the short distance to Cathedral Square for the traditional dawn service.

The New Zealand Army Band will perform at the service, which will end with the playing of the Last Post, a minute’s silence, and then the singing of the New Zealand national anthem.

List of services in the Waihoro Spreydon-Cashmere-Heathcote Community Board area:

• Heathcote Vally War Memorial, 6.15am
• 19th Battalion and Armoured Regiment Memorial, Victoria Park (hillside), 8.00am
• Waltham Park Memorial Gates, 9.30am
• Sydenham Cemetery, 10.00am
• Sumner RSA Memorial Gates, 11.00am

40+ walks

Explore the beauty of our city and its surroundings through a variety of inspiring walks suitable for all ages and abilities. From scenic strolls to adventurous hikes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Browse the schedule, find the perfect walk for you, and register to join us on this journey of discovery, community, and connection with nature. Let’s get walking!

Take a peek behind the doors of Ōtautahi Christchurch’s most exceptional architecture and design during Open Christchurch 2025.

This year’s festival runs from 2-4 May with 51 buildings, two designed landscapes, five guided walks and over forty activities making the biggest programme to date.

From the largest building, One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, to the tiniest treasure, Bull O’Sullivan Architecture’s Chapel of St Thérèse of Lisieux, the Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and City-Making programme spans a variety of buildings, landscapes and experiences.

Open Christchurch 2025’s themes include design excellence in performance spaces and the works of pre-eminent local Gothic Revival architect, Benjamin Mountfort, in commemoration of the bicentenary of his birth.

There are more than 40 activities being held over the weekend, such as talks, tours, exhibitions and workshops, provide additional ways to learn about the city’s architecture.

Te Pūtahi director Jessica Halliday said: “Open Christchurch is a simple invitation: come and explore these great buildings, you don’t need a special reason or a personal invitation - doors are open, please come on in."

"It’s an annual celebration of free access to Ōtautahi’s best buildings, aiming to make Christchurch more open, accessible and inclusive. Our city has so many fascinating buildings - so be nosy, satisfy your curiosity and feel welcome to explore your city through architecture over Open Christchurch weekend.”

Buildings are open at different times across the weekend, bookable activities are timetabled and a handful of buildings require advance bookings.

Visit openchch.nz for bookings, building-specific accessibility and more information.

Governance Bites Workshop Series is running FREE events every third Wednesday of the month.

Venue: Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street North

RSVP - registrations essential, via email, click here for more information.

16 April - Better Board Decision Making

21 May - Keeping It Legal

18 June - Confident Oversight of Finances

Winter Planting | Saturdays, 1 - 3pm

7 June - Dry Bush

14 June - Eastside Bush (with BBQ afterwards)

Spring Maintenance | Saturdays, 1 - 3pm

27 September - Barnett Park

4 October - Dry Bush

11 October - Dry Bush

18 October - Eastside Bush (with BBQ afterwards)

For more information, click here.

FREE

Thursdays 1pm, meet new people and explore your neighbourhood and the city.

What to expect, wear and bring

• All walks leave from the corner of Birdwood Avenue and Malcolm Avenue (unless otherwise specified), are approximately 40 minutes long and on the flat.
• Walks are cancelled in heavy or persistent rain.
• To view the full programme, click here.

APRIL

17 - Walk

24 - NO WALK

MAY

1 - Walk 'n' Talk - Hagley Park. Meet at the corner of Helmores Land and Holmwood Road at 1pm or arrange to carpool from the corner of Birdwood Ave and Malcolm Ave at 12.30pm.

8 - Walk

15 - Walk 'n' Talk - Historical Cemeteries. Meet at the corner of Buckleys Road and Butterfield Avenue at 1pm or arrange to carpool from the corner of Birdwood Ave and Malcolm Ave at 12.30pm.

22 - Walk

29 - Walk 'n' Talk - Avonhead. Meet at the corner of Kedleston Drive and Hawthornden Road at 1pm or arrange to carpool from the corner of Birdwood Ave and Malcolm Ave at 12.30pm.