29 April

Assault on Gate Pā

1864 Assault on Gate Pā

The British attacked the Ngāi Te Rangi stronghold of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā), defended by just 230 Māori fighters, after a heavy artillery bombardment. Read more...
131 perish in worst civilian shipwreck in New Zealand waters

1881 131 perish in worst civilian shipwreck in New Zealand waters

The steamer Tararua, en route from Port Chalmers to Melbourne, struck a reef at Waipapa Point, Southland. Of the 151 passengers and crew on board, 131 were lost, including 12 women and 14 children. Read more...
ANZUS treaty comes into force

1952 ANZUS treaty comes into force

Signed by Australia, New Zealand and the United States, the ANZUS treaty recognised that an armed attack in the Pacific area on one member would endanger the peace and safety of the others. Read more...