What happened that day?

Kiwi of the Week

  • john-walker-biog.jpg

    John Walker

    John Walker is one of New Zealand's track heroes. His athletic career was punctuated by memorable performances and noted for its longevity

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This WeeK's Quiz

Today in History

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Battle of the River Plate

1939 Battle of the River Plate

The cruiser HMS Achilles goes into action against the German 'pocket battleship' Admiral Graf Spee, becoming the first New Zealand warship to take part in a naval battle.

more...

Internal links

Battle of the River PlateThe battle - Battle of the River PlateSecond World War - Royal NZ Navy

External links

  • Achilles at the River Plate (NZETC)
  • The Royal New Zealand Navy (NZETC)
First recorded European sighting of New Zealand

1642 First recorded European sighting of New Zealand

Towards noon the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sighted 'a large land, uplifted high'. What he saw may have been the peaks of the Paparoa Range behind Punakaiki. more...

Internal links

European explorers - exploration of New ZealandAbel Tasman stamp

External links

  • Abel Tasman (Te Ara)
  • Abel Tasman biography (DNZB)
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