Rangiora Museum

Rangiora is a small town which served as the hub for the North Canterbury farming community in days gone by. Today it is a thriving small town as families move here to seek relief from the ongoing earthquakes in Christchurch. It is a good place to be with only a 20 minute commute by car or bus to Christchurch.

The historical buildings of Rangiora are coming under pressure to close, after the last earthquakes on 23 December 2011. Decisions are to be made whether to strengthen or demolish. Landlords are only given one hours notice to get tenants out before the closure happens. Its all very disruptive for small businesses, the knowing or not knowing which is more the case of whats going to happen. The only shopping centre of Rangiora is full of old historical buildings. What's going to happen - only time will tell.

The above building was originally part of Rangiora's second Bank of New Zealand, sited on the corner of Ashley and High Streets. It was designed by James Peele and built by Boyd and Keir in 1881. When the Bank of New Zealand was demolished in 1967 the Rangiora and Districts Early Records Society relocated the top storey on the site of the old gravel pit in Good Street and has now become the Rangiora Museum. On 27 May 2003 the Museum was recognised as a Landmark building on the day the town celebrated its 125 year birthday, that is, it was formed as a borough 125 years ago.

It is one of the buildings which is still up and running, lets hope it remains that way after being relocated onto an 'old gravel pit'.

My first historical building for this small town - a mini series emerging perhaps??

Its been cold today and dull with the odd bit of sun. Mum and I grocery shopped and had a quick peek at the beach. The wind whistled round our necks and sent our hair flying in all directions, our eyes and noses were streaming by the time we reached the car, but boy did the car feel warm!!

Lets hope for better weather for New Zealand's long weekend :)