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the1980s

The 1980s were a decade of profound political and social change, when the ‘baby boomers’ took charge

a history of
New Zealand in 100
places

Explore New Zealand’s rich past through a selection of key sites

encounters

Discover stories of Pacific and European voyaging and encounter.

Ngā Rōpū Wāhine o te Motuwomentogether

A history of women’s organisations in New Zealand. Edited by Anne Else

The 1980s
a history of New Zealand in 100 places
Encounters
Ngā Rōpū Wāhine o te Motu – Women Together

Today In History

A local Rotary club was established at a luncheon in Wellington’s YMCA, with Alexander Roberts elected as the first president.

The Battle of Messines was a prelude to the much larger Third Battle of Ypres, better known as Passchendaele. New Zealanders played a prominent role in the successful action at Messines but paid a heavy price: 3700 casualties, including 700 dead.

The Hastings-born pilot's exploits flying Hurricanes for the Royal Air Force’s No. 73 Squadron in the first year of the Second World War made him a household name.

The golden arches appeared for the first time in New Zealand at Cobham Court, Porirua.

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Kiwi of the Week

5 Jan 1910 - 28 Dec 1949
One of our greatest athletes, Berlin Olympic gold medallist Jack Lovelock led a remarkably full life before his tragic death in 1949, just a few days shy of his 40th birthday.

New Zealand and the First World War

New Zealand and the First World War

The First World War had a seismic impact on New Zealand, reshaping the country's perception of itself and its place in the world.

Women's Suffrage Petition

Suffrage Petition

The 1893 Women's suffrage petition — signed by more than 25,000 women, about a fifth of the entire adult European female population — helped pave the way for the passage of New Zealand's world-leading Electoral Act in September 1893.

See the digitised version of the petition

Memorials Register

Memorials Register

Find exact locations and further information for more than 1000 memorials throughout New Zealand.

Explore the memorials register