1916 First New Zealand soldier executed
After being found guilty of desertion, 28-year-old Private Frank Hughes was killed by a firing squad in Hallencourt, northern France. He was the first New Zealand soldier executed during the First World War. Read more...
1920 First flight across Cook Strait
Captain Euan Dickson completed the first air crossing of Cook Strait, flying a 110-hp Le Rhone Avro from Christchurch to Upper Hutt and carrying the first air mail between the South and North Islands. Read more...
1948 Killer twister hits Frankton
Three people were killed, 80 injured and about 150 buildings badly damaged by New Zealand's deadliest recorded tornado. The damage was estimated at more than £1 million. Read more...
