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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

18 August

1955 20-year old hanged for murder

Edward Te Whiu was one of the last four people executed in New Zealand. He admitted to killing 75-year-old widow Florence Smith, but his underprivileged background and childlike mental state led some to question the appropriateness of the death penalty. more...

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Capital punishment in New Zealand 1955 - key events

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Te Whiu, Edward Thomas (DNZB)

1971 Deadline for Vietnam pull-out announced

Prime Minister Keith Holyoake’s announcement to Parliament that New Zealand’s combat force would be withdrawn before the end of the year coincided with a similar announcement by the Australian government. more...