New Zealand History

Te Akomanga A space for teaching and learning the histories of Aotearoa New Zealand

TODAY IN HISTORY

1945 New Zealand celebrates Victory in Europe

Germany surrendered on 7 May, New Zealand time, but acting Prime Minister Walter Nash insisted that celebrations wait until after British Prime Minister Winston Churchill officially announced peace at 1 a.m. on 9 May, New Zealand time.

1915 Kiwi Wimbledon winner killed in battle

New Zealand's most successful tennis player, Anthony Wilding was one of the stars of the sport in the decade before the First World War.

1907 First School Journal published

New Zealand pupils were for the first time able to read a schoolbook published in their own country.

KIWI OF THE WEEK

Jack Lovelock

5 Jan 1910 - 28 Dec 1949

One of our greatest athletes, Berlin Olympic gold medallist Jack Lovelock led a remarkably full life before his tragic death in 1949, just a few days shy of his 40th birthday.

New Zealand and the First World War

New Zealand and the First World War

The First World War had a seismic impact on New Zealand, reshaping the country's perception of itself and its place in the world.

Women's Suffrage Petition

Suffrage Petition

The 1893 Women's suffrage petition — signed by more than 25,000 women, about a fifth of the enture adult European female population — helped pave the way for the passage of New Zealand's world-leading Electoral Act in September 1893.

See the digitised version of the petition

Memorials Register

Memorials Register

Find exact locations and further information for more than 1000 memorials throughout New Zealand.

Explore the memorials register