File:WWII Bunker - Cracroft Caverns.jpg

English: Through the inaugural New Zealand Archaeology Week, the New Zealand Archaeological Association is bringing archaeology to the public to increase public awareness and highlight the importance of protecting our archaeological heritage and what it tells us about ourselves and our stories. Around the country, a variety of events are being hosted by consultant archaeologists, museums, heritage organisations and iwi. It includes public talks, historic walks, and displays right around the country. The week runs from April 1 to April 7 and to help with the theme of the week, Archives New Zealand will be sharing a few items relating to archaeology that we have in our holdings. Further details on Archaeology Week can be found here nzarchaeology.org/news-events/national-archaeology-week

WWII Bunker - Cracroft Caverns In response to the Japanese threat to New Zealand's security in early 1942 , the Cracroft-Wilson homestead on Cashmere Hills was taken over and adapted for use as a combined headquarters and a series of large chambers were excavated underground to provide protection for headquarters staff for extended periods. Work was carried out by the Public Works Department under conditions of strict secrecy. Construction stopped in 1944 and the Cracroft-Wilson homestead was destroyed by fire while the military were vacating the site. The entrances to the underground complex were later sealed. The existence of the caverns became the stuff of urban legend in Christchurch until excavations were carried out in 1987. The caverns later became the site of a ring laser experiment set up by the University of Canterbury's physics department to measure "subtle perturbations in the Earth's rotation". In the past 20 years the Christchurch City Council offered restricted access to the caverns, but they have been inaccessible since the 2010-2011 earthquakes. Archives New Zealand Reference: GCH [civil] plans – no date CALW CH166 303 GCH4423 www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=20300866

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Material from Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga