1 April

First beer brewed in New Zealand

1773 First beer brewed in New Zealand

In an attempt to concoct a preventative against scurvy, Captain James Cook brewed a batch of beer on Resolution Island in Dusky Sound, using rimu branches and leaves. Read more...
TEAL becomes Air New Zealand

1965 TEAL becomes Air New Zealand

New Zealand’s international airline, Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), was renamed Air New Zealand Limited. Read more...
ACC comes into operation

1974 ACC comes into operation

In 1972 legislation established the Accident Compensation Commission (ACC) to provide insurance for all personal injury. Read more...
Thermal insulation required in NZ homes

1978 Thermal insulation required in NZ homes

Early European-style timber frame construction was not as effective as traditional Māori methods at keeping the heat in buildings. Specified levels of thermal insulation were not required by law until 1978. Read more...
New Zealand Film Archive launched

1981 New Zealand Film Archive launched

The New Zealand Film Archive has grown considerably since it shared Wellington premises with the New Zealand Federation of Film Societies. Read more...
State-owned enterprises are born

1987 State-owned enterprises are born

The State-owned Enterprises Act heralded a major overhaul of the public sector and was a key part of the strategy of economic liberalisation known as 'Rogernomics'. Read more...