1864 Assault on Gate Pā
With substantial artillery and 1700 men, the British assaulted the Ngāi Te Rangi stronghold of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā), which was defended by just 230 warriors. Read more...
1881 131 perish in worst civilian shipwreck in NZ waters
The steamer Tararua, en route from Port Chalmers to Melbourne, struck a reef at Waipapa Point, Southland. Of the 151 passengers and crew on board, 131 were lost, including 12 women and 14 children. Read more...
1952 ANZUS treaty comes into force
Signed by Australia, New Zealand and the US, the ANZUS treaty recognised that an armed attack in the Pacific area on one member would endanger the peace and safety of the others. Read more...
