17 July 1964
Opening of the Government Life Building in Cathedral Square. It was the city’s first “high rise glass box”. The building’s rooftop clock and temperature readings became a familiar part of the Square.
Plans:
- Government Life Building First Floor Plan, 21 November 1960
- Government Life Building East & South Elevation, 21 November 1960
- Clock 4 July 1963
Jock Orr, nicknamed “The Birdman” after befriending birds in Cathedral Square, dies in Christchurch.
20 July 1851
First church in Christchurch opened – later dedicated as St Michael and All Angels in 1859.

chronological order from pre-European times to 1989.
More July events in our Christchurch chronology.