18 August

Champion rower Dick Arnst wins world title race on Zambezi River

1910 Champion rower Dick Arnst wins world title race on Zambezi River

Former top cyclist Dick Arnst had become world sculling champion in 1908. After two successful title defences at home, the muscular Arnst raced in a more exotic setting – on the Zambezi River. Read more...
20-year-old hanged for murder

1955 20-year-old hanged for murder

Edward Te Whiu was one of the last four people executed in New Zealand. He admitted to killing 75-year-old widow Florence Smith, but his underprivileged background and childlike mental state led some to question the appropriateness of the death penalty. Read more...
Deadline for Vietnam pull-out announced

1971 Deadline for Vietnam pull-out announced

Prime Minister Keith Holyoake’s statement in Parliament that New Zealand’s combat force would be withdrawn before the end of the year coincided with a similar announcement by the Australian government. Read more...
First women's cycling club in Australasia formed

1892 First women's cycling club in Australasia formed

Soon after the development of the modern bicycle, Australasia's first women's cycling club was formed in Christchurch. Read more...