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Kiwi stories - The Battle of Britain
Selected biographies of New Zealanders involved in the Battle of Britain.
Honouring Edmund Hillary
In 1987 Ed Hillary was among the first 20 people selected as members of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ), this country’s highest honour. He has been the recipient of numerous honours during his lifetime.
The end of the 'big mountain days' - Ed Hillary
Through the 1960s and 1970s Ed Hillary’s life followed a familiar pattern of international travel, lecture tours and fund-raising for Sherpa projects, interspersed with expeditions in the Himalayas, Pacific, Antarctica and New Zealand.
The early years - Ed Hillary
Edmund Hillary's early life included bee-keeping, tramping and involvement in the Radiant Living movement.
On top of the world: Ed Hillary
The legendary mountaineer, adventurer and philanthropist – whose familiar, craggy face beams out from the $5 note – is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived. His ascent of Mt Everest with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay on 29 May 1953 brought him worldwide fame – literally overnight.
Gallipoli biographies
A selection of biographies of people who served at Gallipoli
John Bryce
John Bryce (1833–1913) was born in Scotland, and arrived in New Zealand with his family in 1840. From humble origins, and self-taught, he entered local politics in 1859. In 1866 he was elected to represent Wanganui in the General Assembly.
Treaty biographies
Information about some of the key people who have featured in the story of the Treaty of Waitangi
Further information - sport in New Zealand, 1940-60
Links and books relating to Sport in New Zealand 1940-60
Further information - Maori units of the NZEF
Further information about Maori in the First World War.
Henare Wepiha Te Wainohu
Henare Wepiha Te Wainohu was a chaplain during the Gallipoli campaign. At first there was official opposition to sending Maori troops into battle, and after months of training in Egypt and garrison duty at Malta, the Maori troops were becoming restless.
Further information - New Zealand literature
Links and books relating to New Zealand literature
Tūkāroto Matutaera Pōtatau Te Wherowhero Tāwhiao
Tukaroto Matutaera Potatau Te Wherowhero Tawhiao, about 1880 Tawhiao, of the Tainui hapu (sub-tribe) Ngati Mahuta, was born at the end of the Musket Wars between Tainui and Ngapuhi. He was a Christian, was well versed in the ancient rites of the Tainui tribe, and had the status of a prophet.
Hoani (Hone) Paraone Tunuiarangi
Born in southern Wairarapa to a Pakeha whaler and Maori mother, Hoani Paraone Tunuiarangi became a chief of Ngati Kahungunu and a volunteer soldier, known in later life as Major Brown. As a young man in the 1860s he acted as a guide and interpreter for the government forces.
Stephenson Percy Smith
Stephenson Percy Smith (seen here with Elsdon Best) grew up on a family farm in Taranaki from 1850, trained as a survey cadet and worked as a professional surveyor throughout much of the northern half of the North Island.
William Skinner
William Skinner was the son of pioneer settlers in Taranaki. He trained as a survey cadet and surveyed much of the bush-clad areas of Taranaki. From 1888, ill-health required a change in roles to draughtsman and inspecting surveyor.
Perrine Moncrieff
For nearly 50 years Perrine Moncrieff was this country's foremost female conservationist. Born into an upper-class British family, she immigrated to New Zealand in 1921, settled in Nelson and bought land on the shores of Tasman Bay, which became a scenic reserve in the 1930s.
Harry Ell
Henry George (Harry) Ell was raised on the family farm at Halswell near Christchurch. From 1881 to 1884 he served at Parihaka as a volunteer in the Armed Constabulary. He  also worked in the printing trade, then as a salesman and surveyor.
T.E. Donne
Thomas Edward Donne became secretary of the new Department of Tourist and Health Resorts in 1901. He enthusiastically supported his minister, Joseph Ward, in tourism promotion. He served as a member of the Scenery Preservation Board and the Tongariro National Park Board.
James Cowan
James Cowan spent his childhood on a Kihikihi farm, which occupied land confiscated from Maori. Events following the New Zealand Wars dominated life and society in the area, and this engendered his lifelong fascination with Maori and colonial history.

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