12 August

New Zealand’s first mission school opens

1816 New Zealand’s first mission school opens

The simple building measured about 10m x 6m and included an area for Māori students to sleep and a cordoned-off platform for teachers and Pākehā students Read more...
Winton baby-farmer Minnie Dean hanged

1895 Winton baby-farmer Minnie Dean hanged

In 1895 Southland’s Williamina (Minnie) Dean became the first – and only – woman to be hanged in New Zealand. Her story exposed the stark realities of paid childcare and the lack of choice for many women in this period. Read more...
John Walker breaks world mile record

1975 John Walker breaks world mile record

John Walker became history’s first sub-3:50 miler, running 3:49.4 at Gothenburg, Sweden. Read more...