16 October

Main Body of NZEF sails to war

1914 Main Body of NZEF sails to war

Thousands of Wellingtonians rose before dawn and crowded vantage points around the harbour to watch as 10 grey-painted troopships, escorted by four warships, sailed to war. Read more...
Jean Batten reaches Auckland after epic solo flight

1936 Jean Batten reaches Auckland after epic solo flight

Jean Batten left for New Zealand from Kent, England, at 4.20 a.m. on 5 October 1936. Despite the early hour, a large media contingent gathered to see her off; Batten was already famous for her successful solo flights from England to Australia in May 1934, and to South America in November 1935. Read more...