The Canterbury Association was formed in 1848 in England by members of parliament, peers, and Anglican church leaders, to establish a colony in New Zealand. The settlement was to be called Canterbury, with its capital to be known as Christchurch. Organised emigration started in 1850 and the colony was established in the South Island, with the First Four Ships bringing out settlers steeped in the region's history. The Association was not a financial success for the founding members and the organisation was wound up in 1855.
Plaque at 22 Whitehall, London, commemorating the first meeting of the Canterbury Association
An 1850 Canterbury Association poster aimed at working-class people
The Canterbury Association ships Bangalore, Dominion, Duke of Portland, Lady Nugent, and Canterbury in the East India Docks in 1851
Canterbury is a region of New Zealand, located in the central-eastern South Island. The region covers an area of 44,503.88 square kilometres (17,183.04 sq mi), making it the largest region in the country by area. It is home to a population of 666,300.
Building damage in Worcester Street, corner Manchester Street, with ChristChurch Cathedral in the background. (September 2010)
ChristChurch Cathedral showing the effects of the February 2011 earthquake (tower under demolition)
The Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch opened in August 2013 as the transitional pro-cathedral for the Anglican Diocese of Christchurch. Anglicans make up 14.8 percent of Canterbury's population.
Crossing the Macauley River, Lilybank Station, Canterbury, New Zealand, 1977.
