1861 First major gold rush in Otago starts
Tasmanian Gabriel Read claimed a £1000 reward after finding gold ‘shining like the stars in Orion on a dark, frosty night’ near the Tuapeka River. Read more...
1966 Coronation of first Māori Queen
Princess Piki, the daughter of King Koroki, was selected as the sixth Maori monarch − and first Queen − during her father's funeral, in accordance with Kingitanga protocol. She assumed her mothers name, Te Atairangikaahu. Read more...
