
Our current and past
projects….
Together we have been able to achieve some great projects. This has been able to happen with great help from Comte de Paris members and the wider Akaroa community. We welcome new members to our Comte de Paris member, please join us today!
Our current and past projects…

Joseph de Malmanche’s plaque.
Although not installed yet, here is a photo of Joesph’s plaque. His headstone is the only one in the cemetery written in French, and is weathered and becoming hard to read. We are on the lookout for a suitable rock/schist to mount it on. Many thanks to all who have donated towards this plaque. Another piece of French history saved.

Memorial Entrance is underway.
Memorial Entrance to honor the early settlers is underway and looks fabulous. Many years of hard work have come together working with the council and fundraising. Watch this space for updated photos or check it out for yourself next time you are in Akaroa.

Cemetery Walkway
In conjunction with the Christchurch City Council, we have installed further steps and are still working on a handrail down the side of the Dissenters Cemetery. We were kindly been donated hardwood sleepers to use as steps.

Cleared Land
Due to the lack of burial space, we have worked hard to clear the spare overgrown land to increase the capacity of the Akaroa Cemetery. We are awaiting the land scanning results to seek approval for the extension of burial space.

Heritage Park Project
We have an area to maintain and plant trees in memory of descendants within the Heritage Park. Each tree is recorded. This photo is of Ray Sinclair and the tree was the first planted in memory of his late wife. Ngaire was one of our founding committee members. If you would like further information about planting a memory tree please contact us.

‘180 Year Anniversary Weekend’
A very successful weekend held on the 26-28th March in Akaroa celebrating the arrival of our ancestors 180 years ago. We had close to 200 attending with many families represented. Many enjoyed the walking tours, dinner and unveiling of 3 restored headstones. The Akaroa Museum also joined in the celebrations with a temporary exhibition on the ‘Comte de Paris 180’.

Headstone Restoration
We are working with the City Council to assist with restoring our settler headstones. Many were damaged in the Canterbury earthquakes.
This is a photo of Joseph Mahon De Malmanche grave. Child of Benjamin, died at 2 years old, 23 September 1872. Joseph was a twin. He drowned in a swimming hole at Robinsons Bay where his family was living. He is buried next to his maternal grandparents who lived at Flea Bay. This is the only grave in the cemetery written in French and on the list to be restored.

Cemetery Information Boards
The Comte de Paris group has worked together with the Christchurch City Council to install 3 information boards highlighting the history within the cemeteries. These were installed in time for the 180 Celebration Weekend.

Reprinted ‘The LeLievre Family, Akaroa’
Reprinted with permission with the addition of an index. For a copy please see our ‘Merchandise’ page or contact us.
Join us today to help preserve and keep the knowledge of our history alive…..