What moments in time did the Ashburton Guardian photographers capture around Whakatere Ashburton throughout 1976? This selection of photographs from our large collection of Guardian negatives will take you on a journey across various aspects of life in our district 50 years ago.

Although some of these images were published in the daily newspaper, most weren’t and won’t have been seen before. Many of the photographs were taken to support a newsworthy story, while some are a whole story in themselves.

Join us for the opening of this exhibition on Friday, 29 May at 6pm. This will coincide with the opening of Matariki herenga waka: A mooring place for all canoes. 

Image from the Ashburton Guardian negative collection, 1 April 1976.