Explore hidden gems of Christchurch; Festival unlocks city’s spaces
Photo: Christchurch City Council
The annual Open Christchurch festival, showcasing the city's diverse architectural landscape is returning to the city.
Running from May 3-5 and organised by Te Pūtahi, the event offers locals and visitors a unique opportunity to explore hidden architectural gems and the stories behind them.
The festival kicks off with a lecture by Professor Albert L. Refit on the evening of Friday, May 3rd, titled ‘Roots and Routes of Pacific Architecture.’
The discussion will delve into the influence and evolution of Pacific architectural styles in New Zealand and specifically in Christchurch. The free lecture is scheduled at Te Puna Wanāka at Ara.
Saturday, May 4th, provides a deep dive into Pacific influences with a guided tour of the Fonua Mana Tongan Church, an award-winning structure noted for its vibrant and textured design.
Led by Bull & O'Sullivan Architects, this free tour starts at 1pm and is an opportunity for enthusiasts to understand the architectural synthesis of culture and spirituality.
Additionally, St Paul’s Trinity Pacific Presbyterian Church will open its doors to the public on the same day, offering a chance to appreciate its minimalist design that has been described as a hidden gem on Fitzgerald Avenue.
The festival also places a special emphasis on youth-friendly spaces. Te Hohepa Kōhanga Reo invites visitors to explore its thoughtfully designed structure that caters to the scale of its young users with intricate, built-in details.
Te Raekura Redcliffs School will also be open on Sunday, May 5th, from 10am to 2pm, showcasing its modern facilities that reflect the coastal and cultural heritage of the Redcliffs area.
Free tours at 10:30am and 11:30am will discuss the integration of Māori history into its architectural design.
For those interested in a mix of sport and culture, Washington Reserve Skatepark is the place to be on Saturday from 11am to 1:30pm. The park will host a lively event, A Creative Skate, featuring exhibitions, competitions, and interactive stations for skateboard maintenance and decoration.
A free talk and tour at 11:30am will provide insights into the park’s design and community impact.
The festival concludes on Sunday afternoon with 'New Foundations,' a presentation where young Christchurch residents will share their perspectives on the city's architecture and envision future developments. This session starts at 3pm and promises to be a celebration of creativity and community spirit.
In total, Open Christchurch will feature 50 buildings and over 40 public activities including free talks, tours, and exhibitions. While most events are free, some guided walks and limited-entry buildings have a nominal fee of $5 plus booking fees.
For anyone interested in the architectural wonders of Christchurch, detailed schedules and accessibility information are available at openchch.nz, where bookings can also be made.
