7 June

Battle of Messines

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. Read more...
First Rotary club in New Zealand founded

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. Read more...
Fighter ace Edgar ‘Cobber’ Kain killed

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. Read more...
McDonald's arrives in New Zealand

1976 McDonald's arrives in New Zealand

The golden arches appeared for the first time in New Zealand at Cobham Court, Porirua. Read more...