19 December

First Auckland A and P Show

1843 First Auckland A and P Show

Agricultural and pastoral shows celebrating excellence in agriculture and animal husbandry became annual events in communities around New Zealand. Read more...
Universal male suffrage introduced

1879 Universal male suffrage introduced

The Qualification of Electors Act extended the right to vote (the franchise) to all European men aged 21 or over, regardless of whether they owned or rented property. Read more...
HMS <em>Neptune</em> lost in Mediterranean minefield

1941 HMS Neptune lost in Mediterranean minefield

In New Zealand’s worst naval tragedy, the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Neptune struck enemy mines and sank off Libya. Of the 764 men who lost their lives, 150 were New Zealanders. Read more...