Christchurch City Council. Municipal Electricity Department. (1920-1989)
Dates
- Existence: 1920 - 1989
Parallel Names
- MED
Biography
In 1903 the Christchurch City Council established a small scale public supply of electricity. In subsequent years other local councils established similar departments. The Electricity Department was restructured in 1920 and was renamed the Municipal Electricity Department in 1922.The Municipal Electricity Department took over the responsibility for the distribution of electricity to Waimairi County in 1946.
On 1 February 1989, the new company, Southpower, was officially formed by the amalgamation of the Christchurch Municipal Electricity Board and the Central Canterbury Electric Power Board. With the addition of the Port Hills Energy Authority and then Riccarton Electricity in November, it became the second largest supply authority for electricity in New Zealand.
Southpower was both a lines company and a retailer of electricity. Following government reform of the sector, in 1998 Southpower sold its retail activities and retained its network activities.
In December 1998 the company was renamed Orion New Zealand Limited.
Orion New Zealand is a community owned entity with two key shareholders - the Christchurch City Council, through its subsidiary Christchurch City Holdings Ltd (89.3%) and the Selwyn District Council (10.7%).
Found in 124 Collections and/or Records:
Lake Coleridge Power Station Brochure, 1964
Lake Coleridge Power Station Brochure 1964
Lines Department staff, 1977
Framed photograph - Lines Department Staff 1977
Lines Training School, 1961
Framed photograph - Bw photograph Lines Training School, August 1961, Classroom shot
MED Building and Carpark Exterior, 1980 - 1999
Framed photograph - Colour print of MED building exterior and neighbouring carpark
MED Building and Carpark Exterior, 1980 - 1989
Unframed, colour print MED buidling and carpark, 1980s.
MED Building Exterior, 1920 - 1930
Framed photograph - Bw print - External shot of MED building apprx 1920s
MED Buildings, Workers and Trade Shows, 1928 - 1989
MED Found stone, Laying cables, Street Lighting, 1929 - 1966
15 black and white photographs including: Aerial views of Christchurch 1929, 1939, MED building with lighting display, Laying found stone for new MED building 11 April 1938 [Green and Hahn photographer], Laying cable 1939, 1952, 1966, Cathedral Square at night 1958 with Regent Theatre and Post Office building featured, Street lighting 1958, 1959 on Memorial Avenue and Harper Avenue, Exterior of MED building 1957.
MED Staff Photograph, 1960
Framed photograph - Staff photograph 1960
MED Staff Photograph, 1978
Framed photograph - Bw MED staff photograph 1978