Historical Events tagged with "new zealand"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Bombing of Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior

July 10th, 1985 39 years ago

In Auckland Harbour, the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior was bombed and sunk by French secret agents from the DGSE. This attack, carried out to prevent Greenpeace from disrupting nuclear tests, resulted in the death of photographer Fernando Pereira, who was onboard. The incident highlighted the lengths governments would go to silence opposition and sparked international outrage.

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Sports & Recreation

South Africa's Rugby Union Tour Begins in Gisborne

July 22nd, 1981 43 years ago

The first game of the 1981 South Africa rugby union tour was played at Gisborne, New Zealand. This match featured the South African team against a New Zealand provincial side. Controversy surrounded the tour due to South Africa's apartheid policies, igniting protests and debates on sportsmanship versus political ethics. The match was attended by local fans eager to see international rugby, despite looming tensions off the field.

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Sports & Recreation

Trevor Chappell's Controversial Underarm Bowl

February 1st, 1981 44 years ago

In a tense finish to a limited-overs match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australian cricketer Trevor Chappell bowled underarm on the last delivery against New Zealand, a decision that sparked widespread controversy and led to outrage among players and fans alike. The incident occurred as New Zealand needed six runs to win, and the underarm delivery was perceived as unsportsmanlike. The Australian team's choice to use this bowling style has since become a significant talking point in cricket history, highlighting ethical boundaries in sports.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Air New Zealand DC-10 Crashes into Mount Erebus

November 28th, 1979 45 years ago

Air New Zealand Flight 901 was a sightseeing flight over Antarctica that tragically crashed into Mount Erebus, killing all 257 people on board. On this flight, travelers were treated to stunning views of the Antarctic landscape, but the flight ended in disaster as poor visibility and a miscommunication with air traffic control led to the catastrophic collision. The aircraft was on a route that took it near the active volcano, and navigation errors resulted in it descending too low, ultimately leading to the fatal impact.

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Politics & Government

National Anthems Announcement by Allan Highet

November 21st, 1977 47 years ago

Minister of Internal Affairs Allan Highet declared that New Zealand's national anthems would be the traditional anthem 'God Save the Queen' alongside 'God Defend New Zealand'. This announcement marked a significant recognition of New Zealand's cultural identity while maintaining ties to the British monarchy. The decision emphasized New Zealand's growing national identity and its dual heritage, showcasing both loyalty and cultural uniqueness in its anthem selection.

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Sports & Recreation

African Teams Boycott Montreal Olympics Over New Zealand

July 17th, 1976 48 years ago

Twenty-five African nations boycotted the Summer Olympics in Montreal due to the participation of New Zealand, whose rugby teams had played in South Africa during the apartheid era. This controversy arose from the International Olympic Committee's decision to allow New Zealand to compete despite calls for exclusion related to its sporting ties with South Africa. The boycott symbolized widespread dissatisfaction and opposition to apartheid and highlighted the intersection of sports and politics on a global stage.

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Politics & Government

Niue Achieves Self-Governance Status

October 19th, 1974 50 years ago

Niue transitioned to self-governance in free association with New Zealand, marking a significant political change for the island nation. The new constitution was officially enacted, granting Niue full internal governance while New Zealand retained responsibility for defense and foreign affairs. This political arrangement was a result of years of discussions about self-determination. The ceremony was attended by New Zealand officials and local leaders, symbolizing a momentous occasion in Niue's path towards autonomy.

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Military & Warfare

Australia and New Zealand Withdraw Troops from Vietnam

August 18th, 1971 53 years ago

In August 1971, the Australian and New Zealand governments announced their plans to withdraw their military forces from Vietnam, marking a significant shift in their involvement in the Vietnam War. The decision came amidst escalating public opposition to the war and a growing realization of the challenges faced by the United States in achieving its objectives in Vietnam. This withdrawal reflected the changing political landscape within Australia and New Zealand, as both nations sought to redefine their foreign policies in the context of regional and international pressures.

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Politics & Government

First South Pacific Forum in Wellington

August 5th, 1971 53 years ago

The inaugural South Pacific Forum convened in Wellington, New Zealand, aiming to foster dialogue and cooperation among the independent nations of the Pacific Islands. The leaders discussed issues of mutual concern, enhancing regional unity to address challenges. With representatives from various island nations, the forum's launching marked a significant step toward collaborative governance in the region, focusing on development and stability.

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