Establishment of Christchurch

Date: December 16, 1850 • Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Settlers of the Canterbury Association aboard Randolph and Charlotte Jane arrived to establish a colony at Christchurch, New Zealand.

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 on the South Island. The First Four Ships took out approximately 750 settlers. The Association was not a financial success for the founding members and the organisation was wound up in 1855.