What happened that day?

Kiwi of the Week

  • Te Rauparaha

    Te Rauparaha was a Ngati Toa chief and warrior. Sometimes called the 'Napoleon of the Southern Hemisphere', he ruled the lower end of the North Island from his base at Kapiti Island for the best part of 20 years

This WeeK's Quiz

Today in History

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First New Zealand soldier executed

1916 First New Zealand soldier executed

After being found guilty of desertion, 28-year-old Private Frank Hughes was shot by firing squad in the French village of Hallencourt. He was the first New Zealand soldier executed during the First World War. more...

First flight across Cook Strait

1920 First flight across Cook Strait

Captain Euan Dickson completed the first air crossing of Cook Strait, flying a 110-hp La Rhone Avros from Christchurch to Upper Hutt, and carrying the first air mail between the North and South islands. more...

Killer twister hits Frankton

1948 Killer twister hits Frankton

Three people were killed and about 150 houses and buildings damaged by New Zealand's deadliest recorded tornado. Damage was estimated at more than £1 million. more...