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Kiwi of the Week

  • Rene Shadbolt

    René Shadbolt led the only New Zealand contingent to the Spanish Civil War. She and fellow nurse, Isobel Dodds, cared for wounded soldiers, particularly those from the International Brigades, from July 1937 to November 1938.

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Today in History

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Kiwi pilot's sacrifice saves French village

1944 Kiwi pilot's sacrifice saves French village



As his damaged Hawker Typhoon fighter-bomber rapidly lost height, Pilot Officer James Stellin struggled to avoid crashing into Saint-Maclou-la-Brière, a village of 370 people. He succeeded, but at the cost of his own life. The villagers gave him a hero’s funeral and have honoured his memory ever since. more...

Wakefield elected to Parliament

1853 Wakefield elected to Parliament

The brains behind the New Zealand Company was elected to the House of Representatives as the member for Hutt. Having only arrived in February, he was quick to lobby for the introduction of responsible government. more...