23 July

1851 Maria wrecked near Cape Terawhiti

Twenty-six lives were lost when the barque Maria was wrecked near Cape Terawhiti. This provided more ammunition for Wellington settlers who were trying to convince the government of the need for a lighthouse. Read more...

1952 Yvette Williams leaps for gold at Helsinki

Yvette Williams (later Corlett) won the long jump to become New Zealand’s first female Olympic medallist. Read more...