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Kiwi of the Week

Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake

Te Ati Awa leader Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake's refusal to give up his land at Waitara led to the outbreak of the Taranaki War. In later life joined the pacifist community at Parihaka

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Today in History

22 March

1994 Kiwis win Oscars for 'The piano'

Anna Paquin became the first New Zealander to win an Oscar for acting when she picked up the award for best supporting actress for her role as Flora McGrath in the acclaimed historical drama The piano. She was also the second youngest recipient in Oscar history. Jane Campion, who directed the film, made it a Kiwi double when she won the award for best original screenplay. The American actress Holly Hunter won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Ada McGrath.

The film also shared the 1993 Palme D'or Golden Palm award and Hunter won the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.