26 July

Floods kill 25 miners in Central Otago

1863 Floods kill 25 miners in Central Otago

Approximately 25 gold miners died on the Arrow diggings, north-east of Queenstown, in a series of flash floods and slips caused by 24 hours of heavy rain. Read more...
Parliament moves to Wellington

1865 Parliament moves to Wellington

The capital moved from Auckland to more centrally located Wellington on the recommendation of an Australian commission. The former Wellington Provincial Council chamber became the new home for Parliament. Read more...
Kiwi boxer fights for world heavyweight title

1928 Kiwi boxer fights for world heavyweight title

In the midst of boxing's golden age, Gisborne-born Tom Heeney took on Gene Tunney in front of 46,000 spectators at Yankee Stadium, New York. Although he was defeated, his title bid had aroused tremendous interest in both New Zealand and the USA. Read more...
Ann Hercus becomes first Minister of Women's Affairs

1984 Ann Hercus becomes first Minister of Women's Affairs

Ann Hercus became New Zealand’s first Minister of Women’s Affairs following the election of the fourth Labour government.  Read more...