Manawatū Heritage

"Madame Butterfly" performance poster

The New Opera Company produly presents Puccini's "Madame Butterfly" with Malvina Major, Anthony Benfell, Corinne Bridge & Roger Creagh and The New Opera Chorus. Producer: John Thompson. by permission of the Queesnland Opera Co. Designer: Raymond Boyce. Muncipal Theatre, Palmerston North. March. 24th. and 25th. at 8p.m. Book at Collinson and Cunninghame'. Part of a collection of posters that were displayed in the Public Library in the 1970s - 1980s.

The Opening of St Peter's College

The Honourable Norman Kirk, Prime Minister of New Zealand, 1972-1974 opening St Peter's College on August 18, 1974. The Roman Catholic School was Palmerston North's fifth secondary school, and was blessed by the Archbishop of Wellington, the most Rev. R J Delargey. The school cost about $1 million and caters for 800 students from form one to seven. At the time of opening the school roll was about 700, comprising of pupils from two Catholic high schools and an intermediate school.

Order of Service for Memorial Service in memory of Norman Kirk

An interdenominational civic memorial service for the late Right Hon. N E Kirk, was held in Palmerston North 4 September 1974. It was conducted by the Ministers' Association of Palmerston North on behalf of the citizens and Council of Palmerston North. Norman Kirk was Prime Minister of New Zealand and died in office 31 August 1974.

Patricia Dunmore with Norman Kirk Memorial Book

Patricia Dunmore holding a bound book of Palmerston North signatures, which was sent to Mrs Ruth Kirk as a mark of the Palmerston North's respect for the late Prime Minister of New Zealand, Norman Kirk, who died in 31 1974. A cheque for more than $200 was sent to the home of Compassion in Wellington as well. The book was organised by Miss Dunmore and Mr W. Hancock. Article in Manawatu Standard 24 September 1974.

Centennial Celebrations

A group standing outside the replica of Snelson’s store. At the time the store stood on the corner of The Square and Main Street West beside the Coles Building. On the right can be seen Mr Norman Kirk, Leader of the Labour Opposition; and second from the left of the group Mr Joe Walding, Labour M.P. for Palmerston North.

Old Identities Reception

A reception for 350 old Palmerstonians was held at Caccia Birch house, as part of the celebrations to mark 100 years of the Borough of Palmerston North. Here Mr Norman Kirk, leader of the Labour Opposition, is seen talking to one of the local identities.

Grand Opening of Kentucky Fried Chicken

The 17th franchise in New Zealand of Kentucky Fried Chicken opened its doors in Palmerston North on July 31 1974. Pictured here are guests of the grand opening tucking into some KFC boxes being handed out by hostesses, wearing the signature gingham aprons. The guests also had Peralada Medium Sweet Sparkling Wine to mark the occasion. The store was located on the corner of Church and Princess Streets.

Highbury Avenue

View down Highbury Ave, looking towards the intersection with Coventry Street and the bridge over the Mangaone Stream. The house closest to the camera on the right is 74 Highbury Avenue.

This slide was likely created by David Evans of the City Council's Planning Office. M D (David) Evans was a planning assistant from 1955 to 1968, Deputy City Planner from 1968 to 1978 and Senior Planning Officer (Design and Development) from 1978-1988.

Opening the Community Centre Attached to the Trinity Methodist Church

A crowd attends the opening of the community centre attached to the Trinity Methodist Church in Cuba Street. Opened by visiting Reverend R. Thornley (president of the New Zealand Conference of the Methodist Church), the ceremony coincided with the 70th Anniversary of the old church in Cuba Street (demolished in 2003 after being deemed an earthquake risk). Other speakers included the Mayor, G. M. Rennie, Trust Treasurer A. S. Trevithick, J. G. Benjamin of Church of Christ, Rev. J. M. Blight of District Churches and Circuit Steward A. H. Fisher jnr.

Opening the Community Centre Attached to the Trinity Methodist Church

A crowd attends the opening of the community centre attached to the Trinity Methodist Church in Cuba Street. Opened by visiting Reverend R. Thornley (president of the New Zealand Conference of the Methodist Church), the ceremony coincided with the 70th Anniversary of the old church in Cuba Street (demolished in 2003 after being deemed an earthquake risk). Other speakers included the Mayor, G. M. Rennie, Trust Treasurer A. S. Trevithick, J. G. Benjamin of Church of Christ, Rev. J. M. Blight of District Churches and Circuit Steward A. H. Fisher jnr.

Opening the Community Centre Attached to the Trinity Methodist Church

A crowd attends the opening of the community centre attached to the Trinity Methodist Church in Cuba Street. Opened by visiting Reverend R. Thornley (president of the New Zealand Conference of the Methodist Church), the ceremony coincided with the 70th Anniversary of the old church in Cuba Street (demolished in 2003 after being deemed an earthquake risk). Other speakers included the Mayor, G. M. Rennie, Trust Treasurer A. S. Trevithick, J. G. Benjamin of Church of Christ, Rev. J. M. Blight of District Churches and Circuit Steward A. H. Fisher jnr.

Te Roopu o te Matakite hīkoi arrives at Te Rau Aroha Māori Battalion Hall

Te Roopu o te Matakite hīkoi welcomed by a large crowd at Te Rau Aroha Māori Battalion Hall after marching along Rangitikei Street and through Te Marae o Hine - The Square in Palmerston North.

Te Roopu o te Matakite hīkoi was a movement created by Dame Whina Cooper, protesting against the continued loss of Māori land. The hīkoi started in Northland on 14 September, travelled the length of the North Island, and arrived at Parliament in Wellington on 13 October 1975. Leaders presented a petition signed by 60,000 people to Prime Minister Bill Rowling.

Re-enactment of Settlers Arriving in Palmerston North

Women in traditional Māori dress perform for the Governor General, Sir Arthur Porritt and Lady Porritt, at the re-enactment of the arrival of settlers at the Manawatu River. Large crowds line the river bank to watch the event.

Re-enactment of Settlers Arriving in Palmerston North

He mea wero e Mac Whakamoe e pa ana ki te powhiri maumaharatanga o te taenga mai ma runga waka o nga tangata ko Mrs George Snelson raua ko Matilda Montgomery i te tau 1871. Ko Manawatu te awa. Ki to te Ian Matheson whakaaro no Tuhoe a Mac Whakamoe.

Mac Whakamoe performing the wero at the welcoming ceremony of the re-enactment of the 1871 river landing of Mrs George Snelson and her 16 year-old daughter Matilda Montgomery. The women travelled to Te Papaiōea (Palmerston North) by Maori canoe on the Manawatu River. The re-enactment took place at the river end of Albert Street on the morning of 13 March 1971. To access image please contact us.

Haka Pōwhiri Performed at the Palmerston North Centenary Events in the Square

Māori leadership address the crowds in the Square, as part of the official Centenary ceremonies. Koro Wētere, MP for Western Māori is visible in the light gray suit, standing next to a lady in pink.

Haka Pōwhiri Performed at the Palmerston North Centenary Events in the Square

A group of women in traditional Māori dress, performing a Haka Pōwhiri, in the Square near the clock tower as part of the Centenary celebrations.

Haka Pōwhiri Performed at the Palmerston North Centenary Events in the Square

Māori leadership address the crowds in the Square, as part of the official Centenary ceremonies. Koro Wētere, MP for Western Māori is visible in the light gray suit, seated next to a lady in pink.

Palmerston North Centenary Enactment by the Manawatu River Attended by Governor General and Official Guests

A Daimler car carrying the Governor General, Sir Arthur Porritt and Lady Porritt drive past the crowds of people at the enactment of the settler's landing as part of the Palmerston North Centenary events, down by the banks of the Manawatu River.

Haka Pōwhiri Performed at the Palmerston North Centenary Events in the Square

Women in traditional Māori dress, performing a Haka Pōwhiri, in the Square near the clock tower as part of the Centenary celebrations.

Public Information Film - Royal Tour Special

On Thursday 7 January 1954, Queen Elizabeth II travelled by train in the afternoon, passing through Waipawa, Waipukurau, Dannevirke and Woodville, eventually arriving in Palmerston North for a civic reception dinner.

Local footage begins at 03.52.

Massey University Television Production Centre created VHS copies of films likely originally created by the National Film Unit. It is believed they were used as teaching resources at Massey University.

Public Information Film - Royal Show

Massey University Television Production Centre created VHS copies of films, likely originally created by the National Film Unit. It is believed they were used as teaching resources at Massey University.

Public Information Films: Milson Deviation - Pools - Air Force Day at Ohakea

Massey University Television Production Centre created these VHS copies of films, likely originally created by the National Film Unit. It is believed they were used as teaching resources at Massey University.

00:00 - 01.40: Milson Deviation 1959
01.40: - 04.09: Palmerston North Pools
04.09 - 14.11: Air Force Day 1964

Digitised from a VHS derivative.

Our People, Our Place Festival - Rugby World Cup 2011

Rugby World Cup fans were able to enjoy a wealth of events in Te Marae o Hine – the Square during the 2011 Rugby World Cup. This image is likely from attempts to break three rugby related Guinness World records. Organiased by Te Wananga o Aotearoa, one record was broken - most rugby tackles in 1 minute - set by Palmerston North Boys High Schoolers.