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Kiwi of the Week

Ada Wells

Ada Wells is remembered for her contribution to the women's suffrage campaign in the 1880s and 90s, and for becoming the first woman elected to the Christchurch City Council in 1917.

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Today in History

3 February

1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake strikes

New Zealand's deadliest earthquake, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, destroys much of central Napier and Hastings, with the loss of more than 250 lives. more...

Internal links

New Zealand disasters timeline Hawke's Bay earthquake images Hawke's Bay's big shake - roadside stories

External links

The 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake (Te Ara)
Hawke's Bay earthquake (Hastings District Council)
New Zealand disasters: Napier earthquake (Chch City Libraries)
Hawke's Bay earthquake (1966 encyclopaedia)
Hawke's Bay disaster film (Archives NZ)

1868 Killer storm sweeps the country

It was a Sunday afternoon when the storm swept across the country, beginning with little more than a steady drizzle. By the time it had ended the next morning, at least 25 people had been killed. more...