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What happened that day?

1981 Springbok tour

1981 Springbok tour

It was simply called 'The Tour'. For 56 taut days in the winter of 1981, New Zealanders were divided against each other in the largest civil disturbance seen since the 1951 waterfront dispute. more...

1987 Rugby World Cup

1987 Rugby World Cup

The origins of the first Rugby World Cup competition, won by the New Zealand All Blacks in 1987 more...

The Olympics

The Olympics

New Zealand's Olympians – almost 1000 of them – have produced plenty of memorable moments over the years, but the Games have also been marred by boycotts, controversy and tragedy. more...

Natives' Rugby Tour, 1888-89

Natives' Rugby Tour, 1888-89

Discover how the side originally called New Zealand Maori came to be known as the NZ Natives. In 1888, the country's pioneering national sports team toured Britain, playing their first game of rugby on 3 October. more...

New Zealand cricket

New Zealand cricket

A history of cricket in New Zealand, including a list of key moments playing England and Australia. more...

1982 Soccer World Cup

1982 Soccer World Cup

In 1982 soccer seized the country’s imagination when the national side – the All Whites – took on the best in the world at the World Cup finals in Spain. more...

Sport, 1930-1960

Sport, 1930-1960

The mid 20th century heralded mass participation in sport, the consolidation of high profile national competitions, and greater success at international level. more...