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Kiwi of the Week

Charles Heaphy

The multi-faceted Charles Heaphy made quite an impact on colonial New Zealand as an artist, explorer, soldier and colonial administrator. He was the first colonial soldier to win the Victoria Cross

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Today in History

20 May

1941 German paratroops assault Crete

The Battle for Crete raged for 12 days before the Allies were driven off the island. Casualties were high on both sides. More than 650 New Zealanders were killed and 2000 taken prisoner. more...

Internal links

The battle: days 1-3 - The Battle for Crete Peter Fraser

External links

Official history of the Battle for Crete (NZETC)

1773 NZ's first sheep released

During his second voyage to New Zealand James Cook released a ewe and a ram from the Cape of Good Hope (South Africa) in Queen Charlotte Sound. They survived only a few days, an inauspicious start to this country's long association with sheep. more...