Te Akomanga A space for teaching and learning the histories of Aotearoa New Zealand
TODAY IN HISTORY
1905 World’s first state-run maternity hospital opens
As well as providing care for expectant mothers, the new St Helens hospital in Wellington trained midwifery students.
1947 Mabel Howard becomes first female Cabinet minister
When mabel Howard was appointed minister of health and minister in charge of child welfare, she became the first woman to serve as a Cabinet minister in New Zealand.
1953 Hillary and Tenzing reach summit of Everest
A beekeeper from New Zealand, Edmund Hillary, and the Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first people to stand on the summit of the world’s highest peak.
KIWI OF THE WEEK
Jack Lovelock
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.
Latest Images and Media
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
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 petitionMemorials Register
Find exact locations and further information for more than 1000 memorials throughout New Zealand.
Explore the memorials register