1941 New Zealand declares war on Japan
New Zealand's declaration followed the surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Japan also attacked Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaya. Read more...
1942 Fire at Seacliff Mental Hospital kills 37
The fire that swept through Ward 5 of the Seacliff Mental Hospital, north of Dunedin, killed 37 female patients. Most of the windows in the ward were locked and could only be opened by a key from inside. Read more...
