Exhibition digs up lost stories from the city's oldest cemeteries
A new exhibition aims to shed light on the stories from Christchurch's oldest cemeteries.
Grave Insights: Plotting Lives in Christchurch Cemeteries is part of the regular series, Tuakiri Investigates. It will run from Thursday, July 24, to September 14 at Tūranga.
The project has been developed to complement the Christchurch Family History Expo, which is being held from August 2-3.
Said city council acting head of libraries and information Rosie Levi: 'This exhibition will appeal to anyone who might have spent time meandering in some of the city's older cemeteries and wondered at the people buried there – who they were and the lives they might have led.'
Using the cemetery plans and other resources, the Tuakiri team uncovered some of those lost stories.
John Guntrip was buried alongside his second wife, Sarah, in plot 89C at the Barbadoes St Cemetery. Photo: Supplied
They include a grandmother and grandson buried side by side, a soldier buried at sea, and one of Christ Church Cathedral's first bell-ringers among them.
John Guntrip was buried in plot 89C at the Barbadoes St Cemetery, alongside his second wife Sarah.
John was head sexton at the cemetery for many years after he beat out 38 other candidates to claim the position in 1875.
Originally John was a gardener from Middlesex.
He arrived in the city on the Huntress in 1863 and started showing his horticultural skills, creating fruit, vegetable and flower displays for Christchurch Horticultural Society shows.
He also became one of the first bellringers at the newly built Christ Church Cathedral in 1881. John died in 1916.
The Rutherford Street (Woolston) Cemetery opened in 1852. Photo: Supplied
Another story to arise was about Mary Ann Harvey.
Mary was buried in the Rutherford St (Woolston) Cemetery following her death on February 29, 1917.
Her granddaughter Lillian May Arnold, died on December 22, 1916, and was buried at the foot of the plot.
Mary also rests alongside a memorial to her son, Josiah, who died at sea from influenza somewhere between Sierra Leone, West Africa, and Plymouth, England, on his way to World War 2.
The Rutherford St Cemetery opened in 1851 and closed in 1885. It is the oldest cemetery in the city, followed by Woolston Cemetery, which dates back to 1866.
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Exhibition digs up lost stories from the city's oldest cemeteries
Photo: Christchurch City Council A new exhibition aims to shed light on the stories from Christchurch's oldest cemeteries. Grave Insights: Plotting Lives in Christchurch Cemeteries is part of the regular series, Tuakiri Investigates. It will run from Thursday, July 24, to September 14 at Tūranga. The project has been developed to complement the Christchurch Family History Expo, which is being held from August 2-3. Said city council acting head of libraries and information Rosie Levi: 'This exhibition will appeal to anyone who might have spent time meandering in some of the city's older cemeteries and wondered at the people buried there – who they were and the lives they might have led.' Using the cemetery plans and other resources, the Tuakiri team uncovered some of those lost stories. John Guntrip was buried alongside his second wife, Sarah, in plot 89C at the Barbadoes St Cemetery. Photo: Supplied They include a grandmother and grandson buried side by side, a soldier buried at sea, and one of Christ Church Cathedral's first bell-ringers among them. John Guntrip was buried in plot 89C at the Barbadoes St Cemetery, alongside his second wife Sarah. John was head sexton at the cemetery for many years after he beat out 38 other candidates to claim the position in 1875. Originally John was a gardener from Middlesex. He arrived in the city on the Huntress in 1863 and started showing his horticultural skills, creating fruit, vegetable and flower displays for Christchurch Horticultural Society shows. He also became one of the first bellringers at the newly built Christ Church Cathedral in 1881. John died in 1916. The Rutherford Street (Woolston) Cemetery opened in 1852. Photo: Supplied Another story to arise was about Mary Ann Harvey. Mary was buried in the Rutherford St (Woolston) Cemetery following her death on February 29, 1917. Her granddaughter Lillian May Arnold, died on December 22, 1916, and was buried at the foot of the plot. Mary also rests alongside a memorial to her son, Josiah, who died at sea from influenza somewhere between Sierra Leone, West Africa, and Plymouth, England, on his way to World War 2. The Rutherford St Cemetery opened in 1851 and closed in 1885. It is the oldest cemetery in the city, followed by Woolston Cemetery, which dates back to 1866.
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Fairview At 25: A Celebration Of Community And Care
Press Release – Digitalstream In 2000, John and Mary Gardner were appointed as village managers just as construction began. For the first few years, they were the heart of Fairview – handling everything from sales and security to cooking and care. From its humble beginnings as a muddy construction site – so sticky it earned the nickname 'Albany Gold' – Fairview Villiage has grown into one of the North Shore's most cherished lifestyle communities. In those early days, gumboots were a must, and navigating the construction was part of daily life. 'They were good days. It was wonderful. Looking back, some of our fondest memories were from those days when the village was just starting up and we all got into a lot of mischief.' recalls Mary. Even then, it wasn't just about the buildings, it was about the people and the spirit of community they created together. The Early Days: Foundations in Clay and Heart In 2000, John and Mary Gardner were appointed as village managers just as construction began. For the first few years, they were the heart of Fairview – handling everything from sales and security to cooking and care. 'We were everything in those days,' John says. 'Office staff, security staff, sales, cook, show producer.' They lived on site in a homestead that served as both their home and the village lodge. It wasn't glamorous – the site was difficult to navigate due to the remote location. As Mary remembers, visitors would often say it was 'too far out in the sticks,' worried they'd be isolated. 'I can remember the words one of the owners said to me, he said, Mary, one day this village will be in the centre of Albany.' Today, that prediction has come true. Plays, Pranks and Camaraderie: The Fun of the Early Years Bev Barnes, 96 years and a founding resident remembers those early days with great fondness. 'In the early days, even though we had few people here, we knew everybody else and we always worked out things to have fun with – we were resourceful.' 'It was mud, builders, mud, and we all had to have gumboots.' 'When a new resident came in, I was always on the welcoming committee. That was my job, making them feel they weren't on their own.' Mary and John weren't just managers—they were the glue that held the community together. 'Mary and John initially, because they were everything—salespeople, managers, nurses. Often cooks, they put on all the initial entertainment.' John was known for his wild sense of fun. ' John's a very—he was a very—what would you say—he's a person who wanted to have fun and I liked to start the fun. I was quite mischievous in the early days so I joined in. I still could be if given the chance!' 'John used to put on mad, mad plays and we had Stalag 21 in production one time—and I was a German guard. The costumes were incredible. All made by Mary. It was such a funny play. It was quite like Monty Python.' 'Every April Fool's Day we knew John would come up with something (a prank) and you never knew what it would be.' 'And the care was always personal'. Laying the Foundations of a Special Village From the very beginning, it was the people – not just the buildings – that made Fairview special. In John and Mary Gardner, along with residents like Bev Barnes, the village found its earliest champions. Together, they laid the foundations of a community infused with care, fun, and laughter. John and Mary brought dedication and heart to every task, from hosting dinners to providing entertainment. Residents like Bev Barnes, who moved in back in 2002, brought their own energy too. A former school principal and competitive hockey player, Bev helped form the first residents' committee, hosted bingo nights, and starred in John's plays Building a Village, Building a Community This spirit of care and fun created a culture that continues today—a place where everyone feels at home from day one. Their legacy isn't just in stories; it's in the culture that lives on today. The community they helped build still thrives – a place where people look out for one another and joy is found in the little moments shared. The physical village slowly took shape – villas, community spaces, and gardens all emerged from the mud – but it was the people who truly built Fairview A Night to Celebrate 25 Years On Wednesday 25 June, residents came together for a very special dinner in honour of Fairview's 25th anniversary. Chef Noris and the Relish Café team served a three-course meal, including poached salmon à la salsa verde and wine-braised beef medallions. Traditional date pudding with butterscotch sauce rounded out the night. The dining room was beautifully decorated, and residents arrived dressed for the occasion. Music by Jim Joll filled the air as speeches reflected on Fairview's journey and enduring spirit. No anniversary at Fairview would be complete without a cake by Mary Gardner. For this milestone, she designed one that wove together past and present—combining the original sunflower logo and the current leaf motif with her signature handcrafted flowers. It was a beautiful tribute to how far the village has come. Still a People Place At 96, Bev Barnes still paints, reads, plays the piano, and takes part in village life. She describes Fairview as 'a warm, caring place to be.' When surgery left her unable to drive, her neighbours Jim and Natalie stepped in, and five years later, they still help with her shopping. 'This is a people place,' she says. 'Each home is a home. Right from the word go, I said to my children, 'I've done the right thing.'' John and Mary now live at Fairview themselves, enjoying the very lifestyle they helped to build. 'Living in Fairview as a resident has been marvelous, ' Mary says. 'Just as we promised to all those who moved here.' Looking Ahead Fairview has changed over the past 25 years, but its heart remains the same. It's a place shaped by its people, built on laughter, friendship, and care. And if you ask those who helped lay the first bricks or stirred the first pot of soup, they'll tell you: the best part of Fairview isn't the buildings. It's the feeling of belonging that's grown here. As Mary puts it simply, 'Our hopes for Fairview are that it stays just as it is.' Why 25 Years Matters When Choosing a Village Fairview's 25-year journey isn't just a milestone, it's a reminder of the quiet strengths that come with an established village. While newer retirement villages may dazzle with their modern fit-outs, there's something deeply reassuring about walking into a place where the community is already thriving. Mature gardens, established trees, and park-like grounds offer a sense of peace and timeless beauty Wide walkways, open-plan homes, and generously spaced communal areas create comfort and ease of movement A culture of care and connection has been nurtured over decades – not invented overnight The truth is, choosing a retirement village isn't like booking a hotel—it's choosing a home. And once the initial excitement of something new fades, what will make the biggest difference day-to-day is how the place makes you feel. So many Fairview residents have said they knew immediately that this was the right place for them. There's a pull, an unspoken warmth, and a sense of belonging that's hard to define—but easy to recognise. When it comes to retirement living, the unseen things often matter most. As one resident put it, 'This is a people place. It's a place where people care.' That's the kind of home Fairview has been for 25 years—and continues to be today.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Scoop
Fairview At 25: A Celebration Of Community And Care
From its humble beginnings as a muddy construction site - so sticky it earned the nickname 'Albany Gold' - Fairview Villiage has grown into one of the North Shore's most cherished lifestyle communities. In those early days, gumboots were a must, and navigating the construction was part of daily life. 'They were good days. It was wonderful. Looking back, some of our fondest memories were from those days when the village was just starting up and we all got into a lot of mischief.' recalls Mary. Even then, it wasn't just about the buildings, it was about the people and the spirit of community they created together. The Early Days: Foundations in Clay and Heart In 2000, John and Mary Gardner were appointed as village managers just as construction began. For the first few years, they were the heart of Fairview - handling everything from sales and security to cooking and care. 'We were everything in those days,' John says. 'Office staff, security staff, sales, cook, show producer.' They lived on site in a homestead that served as both their home and the village lodge. It wasn't glamorous - the site was difficult to navigate due to the remote location. As Mary remembers, visitors would often say it was 'too far out in the sticks,' worried they'd be isolated. 'I can remember the words one of the owners said to me, he said, Mary, one day this village will be in the centre of Albany.' Today, that prediction has come true. Plays, Pranks and Camaraderie: The Fun of the Early Years Bev Barnes, 96 years and a founding resident remembers those early days with great fondness. 'In the early days, even though we had few people here, we knew everybody else and we always worked out things to have fun with - we were resourceful.' 'It was mud, builders, mud, and we all had to have gumboots.' 'When a new resident came in, I was always on the welcoming committee. That was my job, making them feel they weren't on their own.' Mary and John weren't just managers—they were the glue that held the community together. 'Mary and John initially, because they were everything—salespeople, managers, nurses. Often cooks, they put on all the initial entertainment.' John was known for his wild sense of fun. ' John's a very—he was a very—what would you say—he's a person who wanted to have fun and I liked to start the fun. I was quite mischievous in the early days so I joined in. I still could be if given the chance!' 'John used to put on mad, mad plays and we had Stalag 21 in production one time—and I was a German guard. The costumes were incredible. All made by Mary. It was such a funny play. It was quite like Monty Python.' 'Every April Fool's Day we knew John would come up with something (a prank) and you never knew what it would be.' 'And the care was always personal'. Laying the Foundations of a Special Village From the very beginning, it was the people - not just the buildings - that made Fairview special. In John and Mary Gardner, along with residents like Bev Barnes, the village found its earliest champions. Together, they laid the foundations of a community infused with care, fun, and laughter. John and Mary brought dedication and heart to every task, from hosting dinners to providing entertainment. Residents like Bev Barnes, who moved in back in 2002, brought their own energy too. A former school principal and competitive hockey player, Bev helped form the first residents' committee, hosted bingo nights, and starred in John's plays Building a Village, Building a Community This spirit of care and fun created a culture that continues today—a place where everyone feels at home from day one. Their legacy isn't just in stories; it's in the culture that lives on today. The community they helped build still thrives - a place where people look out for one another and joy is found in the little moments shared. The physical village slowly took shape - villas, community spaces, and gardens all emerged from the mud - but it was the people who truly built Fairview A Night to Celebrate 25 Years On Wednesday 25 June, residents came together for a very special dinner in honour of Fairview's 25th anniversary. Chef Noris and the Relish Café team served a three-course meal, including poached salmon à la salsa verde and wine-braised beef medallions. Traditional date pudding with butterscotch sauce rounded out the night. The dining room was beautifully decorated, and residents arrived dressed for the occasion. Music by Jim Joll filled the air as speeches reflected on Fairview's journey and enduring spirit. No anniversary at Fairview would be complete without a cake by Mary Gardner. For this milestone, she designed one that wove together past and present—combining the original sunflower logo and the current leaf motif with her signature handcrafted flowers. It was a beautiful tribute to how far the village has come. Still a People Place At 96, Bev Barnes still paints, reads, plays the piano, and takes part in village life. She describes Fairview as 'a warm, caring place to be.' When surgery left her unable to drive, her neighbours Jim and Natalie stepped in, and five years later, they still help with her shopping. 'This is a people place,' she says. 'Each home is a home. Right from the word go, I said to my children, 'I've done the right thing.'' John and Mary now live at Fairview themselves, enjoying the very lifestyle they helped to build. 'Living in Fairview as a resident has been marvelous, ' Mary says. 'Just as we promised to all those who moved here.' Looking Ahead Fairview has changed over the past 25 years, but its heart remains the same. It's a place shaped by its people, built on laughter, friendship, and care. And if you ask those who helped lay the first bricks or stirred the first pot of soup, they'll tell you: the best part of Fairview isn't the buildings. It's the feeling of belonging that's grown here. As Mary puts it simply, 'Our hopes for Fairview are that it stays just as it is.' Why 25 Years Matters When Choosing a Village Fairview's 25-year journey isn't just a milestone, it's a reminder of the quiet strengths that come with an established village. While newer retirement villages may dazzle with their modern fit-outs, there's something deeply reassuring about walking into a place where the community is already thriving. Mature gardens, established trees, and park-like grounds offer a sense of peace and timeless beauty Wide walkways, open-plan homes, and generously spaced communal areas create comfort and ease of movement A culture of care and connection has been nurtured over decades - not invented overnight The truth is, choosing a retirement village isn't like booking a hotel—it's choosing a home. And once the initial excitement of something new fades, what will make the biggest difference day-to-day is how the place makes you feel. So many Fairview residents have said they knew immediately that this was the right place for them. There's a pull, an unspoken warmth, and a sense of belonging that's hard to define—but easy to recognise. When it comes to retirement living, the unseen things often matter most. As one resident put it, 'This is a people place. It's a place where people care.' That's the kind of home Fairview has been for 25 years—and continues to be today.
