About Us

This is the old Foresters’ Hall on Oxford Terrace in Christchurch. It was among the earliest gathering places of the Ancient Order of Foresters in New Zealand, established in the late 1850s as the young city was taking shape. Serving as a lodge meeting place and social hub, it played an important role in fostering fellowship and providing mutual aid to members and their families at a time before state welfare systems, reflecting the Foresters’ enduring commitment to community support and care.

Forestry History from Canterbury Library

The Ancient Order of Foresters [AOF] traces its origins to the supposed founding of the first Court at Knaresborough in 1745. The first documented existence of a Court is from 1790 in Leeds, and the Ancient Order split off from the more autocratic Royal Order in 1834. The principal raison d'être of the AOF is the maintenance of the sickness, funeral and benevolent funds, for the benefit of members and other deserving groups. Foresters in Canterbury from an early date collectively subscribed to public charitable initiatives, such as that which followed the 1870 Lyttelton fire. In 1963 the CUD was worth some 65,000 pounds sterling.

The oldest Court in NZ is Court Star of Canterbury, founded in January of 1852. In 1859 it gave rise to Court Queen of the Isles at Lyttelton, and in 1862 further Courts were formed in Wellington, Otago and Nelson. In June 1860 Ct. Star of Canterbury applied to the NSW District Court for leave to form a District Court in Canterbury. This was formed in September 1863, and became the Canterbury United District AOF. In 1886 the Foresters' Guarantee Association was formed, and in the same year the various Courts up and down NZ began negotiations towards a formal unity. This prolonged process led in 1916 to the formation of a Subsidiary High Court of NZ, but this was dissolved in the late 1920s, due to tensions over dues payable and powers abrogated to the SHC. In the 1920s a bloc led by Auckland and Hawkes Bay favoured strong centralised powers, whereas Otago and Wellington favoured a loose federation. The SHC was revived in 1965, but dissolved again in 1974. In between times there was a national advisory council (various titles) which coordinated the districts loosely. There were, however, continuing disputes over clearances (transfer of membership and financial benefits) and other matters. Membership of the AOF in NZ was not, in effect, universal.

In 1904 the first UFS Dispensary was opened in Christchurch, in Lichfield St. In 1917 the CUD was registered as an approved Friendly Society. The other major debate in this century concerned consolidation of funds at district level. This would in effect have terminated the independent financial existence of the Courts, while offering improved financial management of larger funds. It was debated in 1927, 1935, and 1962, and may have become a reality in 1970 (uncertain pending complete research).

About Our Ferrymead Lodge Hall

History of Building

The concept of the project as you see it today was initiated at a Lodge meeting held in Lyttelton on the 28th February 2001. This meeting was held by the Banks Peninsula Lodge of the Manchester Unity Friendly Society. It was resolved "That the Lodge carry out a feasibility study into the prospect of establishing a Lodge complex at Ferrymead Heritage Park".

March 2001. The Lodge Secretary made contact with the Ferrymead Park Director, who was responsive to the idea and welcomed further discussion and a visit.
March 2001. Tentative talks were held with the Christchurch City Council.
March 2001. Members of Druids, Foresters, I.O.O.F., M.U.F.S. and Hibernians were approached as to their thoughts on such a venture.
April 2001. The venture, aims and objects were set out early with the intention to call a meeting of interested parties being invited to form a steering committee with approved representation to move forward on the feasibility study.
May 2001. A pilot meeting was held where a resolution was put and passed "That a steering committee be formed to study the feasibility of a Historic Lodge Room at Ferrymead".

Elected were:
P. Hopewell (convenor), G. McNicholl, G. Fisher, E. and K. Gottermeyer, S. McKelvey, R. Ranger, J. Brine, T. Cater, K. Handisides, P. Kelly, D. Mangels (Secretary), and J. Drummond (Treasurer).

Court Star of Canterbury AOF No.2309

Foresters Hall on Oxford Terrace.

The Woodend Holiday Home

What is Court Star of Canterbury?

The following advertisement was published in the Lyttelton Times on 28ft December 1851: "Ancient Order of Foresters: A court of the above excellent institution will be opened at the Golden Fleece Hotel (situated at the South-East corrrer of Colombo & Armagh Streets) Christchurch for the reception of members. Persons desirous of becoming members will oblige by giving their name, age, and occupation to Messrs Gartner and Ellis, Mr Whelpdole. Christchurch quay, Mr Cresswell, Christchurch. or to R Woodford, by whom any information will be given." The Mr Woodford mentioned in the advertisement had been a member of Court Island Foresters No 181 of Newport, Isle of Wight, and when he and other members of the Order migrated to New Zealand they brought with them a dispensation, dated 14 February 1849, from the High Court AOF England, to open a Court in New Zealand. The advertisement calling the meeting was inserted in the Lyttelton Times twelve months after the arrival of the First Four Ships and Court Star of Canterbury was the first Foresters Court to be opened in New Zealand, and one of the very first Friendly Societies to be established in the new country. Very early in its existence the members decided to erect a Hall for their meetings and the Hall was still standing in Oxford Terrace until 1975. The site was given to the Court by the son of the late Edward Gibbon Wakefield. The hall which was constructed of timber from the Bush at Papanui and Kaiapoi was opened in 1856 and-was one of the earliest halls in Christchurch. It was a favourite spot for entertainment for the new colonists. When the Lodge Hall was first opened, members wishing to walk to Market Square (now Victoria Square) could not walk directly there, but had to make a very long detour because of a deep ravine which ran through the centre of Christchurch and ended up in the Avon river almost opposite where the former Edmonds Band Rotunda (now the Thomas Edmonds restaurant) stood. Court Star of Canterbrry had its own, if not the first, band in the Province. For many years on the anniversary of the founding of the Court, members of the Court, led by the Court band, processed to the Grand Hotel for a banquet to celebrate the Founding of the Court.

In 1859 Court Queen of the Isles, Lyttelton was opened and was taken over by Court Star of Canterbury in 1963. Court Star has their big Banner which is on display today and a photo of which, with photos of the original hall and of the Court's holiday home at Woodend are featured in today's programme folder. in 1996 Court Star took over court queen of Canterbury No 7756. One has only to read the early Minute books of the Court to realise just what an important part Friendly Societies played in the life of the community in those early years. The Social Welfare State took over the work which was started by the Friendly society movement but early in this century, and perhaps now?, those in the community, who had and have the misfortune to suffer from accident, illness or bereavement, could in many cases find no assistance from the community except through the work of the Friendly Societies.

This historical newspaper clipping highlights the role of the Ancient Order of Foresters as a vital source of mutual aid and community support in both 19th-century England and early New Zealand. Founded as a friendly society and established in New Zealand in 1852, the Foresters provided members with financial assistance during sickness, unemployment, and bereavement, at a time when no formal welfare system existed.

Through local “courts” (lodges), members contributed to a shared fund that ensured practical help for themselves and their families, embodying the enduring principle of supporting “widows and orphans.” The clipping also reflects the Foresters’ unique identity, drawing on the symbolism of Robin Hood to represent fairness, solidarity, and protection of the vulnerable.

Overall, the piece underscores the significance of the Foresters as pioneers of social welfare and community care—demonstrating how collective action and mutual support helped shape the foundations of modern social security systems.

Our Regalia

The ceremonial regalia of the Ancient Order of Foresters serves as a visual language, meticulously designed to communicate the hierarchy, tradition, and specialized roles within the fraternity. Beyond mere decoration, these pieces represent a member's commitment to the Order’s values and their specific responsibilities to the brotherhood. During formal "lodge nights" or public processions, this regalia creates a sense of uniformity and solemnity. It transforms a gathering of individuals into a structured organization, ensuring that every officer is recognizable to the membership and that the "raison d'être" of the Order—benevolence and mutual aid—is upheld with the appropriate gravity and tradition.

This image showcases the District Officers’ Regalia for the Ancient Order of Foresters. It features various ceremonial "collars" (V-shaped neckpieces) and horizontal sashes used to denote specific leadership roles within a District.

The items pictured include:

D.C.R. Collar (No. 105): A prominent green, V-shaped ceremonial collar featuring the Order’s crest and colorful embroidered emblems on both sides.
P.D.C.R. Collar (No. 106): A horizontal green sash or collar section with a central golden emblem.
Trustee Collar (No. 111): A dark blue sash with a central crest, used to distinguish the financial overseers.
D.C.M. Collar (No. 112): A green sash section featuring the Order's crest and a red "DCM" designation.
Beadle Collar (No. 113): A green sash section with the crest and a red "BEADLE" designation.

Each piece is crafted from high-quality ribbon or silk and serves as a formal symbol of the wearer's rank and authority during official meetings and public ceremonies.

This image showcases the Court Officers’ Regalia for the Ancient Order of Foresters, specifically highlighting the pieces used at the local "Court" level. Unlike the green District regalia, these pieces primarily use red and other distinct colors to signify specific local roles.

The items pictured include:

P.C.R. Collar (No. 101): The primary piece is a red, V-shaped ceremonial collar with white piping. It features the Order’s crest on one side and a "PCR" emblem (Past Chief Ranger) on the other.
Officers' Collar (No. 102): A solid red horizontal sash or collar section featuring a central golden crest.
Trustee Collar (No. 110): A dark blue sash with a central crest, used for officers overseeing the Court's finances.
Surgeon Collar (No. 107): A white sash with gold borders and a central crest, specifically for the Court's medical officer.
Assistant Secretary Collar (No. 104): A pink or light red sash featuring a central crest.

These ceremonial items were worn during formal lodge meetings to distinguish the administrative and specialized roles of the officers within their local community.

Our Jewels

The Presentation Jewels of the Ancient Order of Foresters represent the personal honors, service milestones, and specific achievements of its members. Unlike the fabric regalia used for general rank, these metal "jewels" are decorative medals worn as badges of distinction and lasting recognition of an individual's contribution to the Order. These jewels were formally "presented" to members during lodge ceremonies to celebrate their advancement or to thank them for exceptional service. They were designed to be worn on the left breast of a member’s coat or attached to their ceremonial collars, serving as a visible "resume" of their history and dedication to the Foresters.

Types of Presentation Jewels

The medals are categorized based on the specific type of service or honor they commemorate:

Officer Jewels (P.D.C.R. & P.C.R.): These are highly decorative medals awarded to "Past" officers (such as Past District Chief Rangers). They typically consist of an intricate metal crest suspended from a multi-colored ribbon (often green and red) that reflects the officer's previous rank.
Service Medals & Stars: Long-term commitment is recognized through items like the Silver Service Medal and the P.C.R. Silver Star. These are often star-shaped or circular, signifying dedicated years of membership or leadership within a Court.
Administrative & Rank Jewels: Specific roles are identified by specialized pendants, such as the District Chain of Office (the most prestigious gold-gilt medal) or the Recognition Badge. These items denote the wearer's current or past authority within the wider District structure.
Honorary & Juvenile Items: The Order also includes medals for Honorary Members and smaller items for younger participants, such as Juvenile Buttons, pins, and the Stag’s Head Badge.

Design and Craftsmanship

Materials: These jewels are typically crafted from high-quality metals, including silver, silver-gilt, and gold-gilt, ensuring they remain durable heirlooms.
Symbolism: Common motifs include the Stag's Head, the Arms of the Order, and the Clasped Hands badge, which symbolizes the fellowship and mutual aid at the heart of the fraternity.
Suspension Ribbons: The medals are hung from silk ribbons that use the Order’s primary colors—green and red—often with striped patterns to further distinguish the specific award.

Let’s Work Together

Get in touch so we can start working together.

Foresters National Council