1917 - Battle of Messines
The Battle of Messines was a prelude to the much larger Third Battle of Ypres, better known as Passchendaele. New Zealanders played a prominent role in the successful action at Messines but paid a heavy price: 3700 casualties, including 700 dead.
more...1921 - First Rotary club in New Zealand founded
A local Rotary club was established at a luncheon in Wellington’s YMCA, with Alexander Roberts elected as the first president.
more...1940 - Fighter ace Edgar ‘Cobber’ Kain killed
The Hastings-born pilot's exploits flying Hurricanes for the Royal Air Force’s No. 73 Squadron in the first year of the Second World War made him a household name.
more...1976 - McDonald's arrives in New Zealand
The golden arches appeared for the first time in New Zealand at Cobham Court, Porirua.
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