Elsie Locke, 1912 – 2001
Elsie Locke was born in Waiuku and graduated from Auckland University. She moved to Christchurch with her husband Jack and lived in the same cottage in the Avon Loop for over 40 years.
Elsie wrote extensively for children, about New Zealand history and about the peace movement. She was a lifelong political activist, peace campaigner and feminist. She was active at community level in the Avon Loop, as well as campaigning to retain and improve Christchurch’s Centennial Pool (the neighbouring park is named after her).
Locke was also a key figure in the restoration, with native plants, of the banks of the Avon as it flowed through the Avon Loop. She was a foundation member of CAFCINZ (now CAFCA) (Campaign Against Foreign Control in New Zealand) in 1975 and continued her membership until her death in 2001.
Canterbury Heroes
Elsie Locke is one of the Canterbury Heroes - a set of twelve bronze busts of important local figures. Elsie’s plaque reads:
Political, social and local community activist, well-loved historian and writer, determined and doughty fighter for the rights of the under-dog, active to the end.
The Peace Library
Christchurch City Libraries’ Peace Library is a collection of books and magazines held in trust by Christchurch City Libraries for the Peace Foundation and the Women’s International League for Peace. A full list of the items catalogued can be found with a subject search Peace Library.
We recommend: Elsie Locke resources
- Elsie Locke - our kids’ fact sheet.
- NZ Book Council biography.
- Elsie Locke: 1912 - 2001 - essay about Elsie Locke by economist, Brian Easton. Gives background on her political thinking in particular.
- Obituary for Elsie Locke on the converge website.
- Elsie Locke - books, other writings and resources by Elsie Locke held in the Christchurch City Libraries.
