The 24th of May commemorates the Allies' hard-fought victory in the Battle of the Atlantic, one of the most decisive campaigns of the Second World War. Thousands of New Zealanders took part in this long and bitter struggle.
A 21-gun salute from Fort Britomart marked the opening of New Zealand's first Parliament. The 37 parliamentarians gave their oaths of allegiance to the Crown via the acting governor, R.H. Wynyard.
May celebrates Kiwi music. Each May since 2001, New Zealand Music Month has showcased local music on radio, television and in live performances. This month we’ll give you 31 reasons to love New Zealand music. Today's story: Nature's best
The legendary mountaineer, adventurer and philanthropist – whose familiar, craggy face beams out from the $5 note – is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived. His ascent of Mt Everest with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay on 29 May 1953 brought him worldwide fame – literally overnight.
The homosexual law reform campaign moved beyond the gay community to wider issues of human rights and discrimination. Extreme viewpoints ensured a lengthy and passionate debate before the Homosexual Law Reform Act was passed 27 years ago, in July 1986.
It remains the most dramatic battle ever fought by New Zealand forces. Over 12 brutal days in May 1941 the Allies opposed a massive German airborne assault on the Mediterranean island of Crete. They almost succeeded.