29 May

World’s first state-run maternity hospital opens

1905 World’s first state-run maternity hospital opens

As well as providing care for expectant mothers, the new St Helens hospital in Wellington trained midwifery students. Read more...
Mabel Howard becomes first female Cabinet minister

1947 Mabel Howard becomes first female Cabinet minister

When mabel Howard was appointed minister of health and minister in charge of child welfare, she became the first woman to serve as a Cabinet minister in New Zealand. Read more...
Hillary and Tenzing reach summit of Everest

1953 Hillary and Tenzing reach summit of Everest

A beekeeper from New Zealand, Edmund Hillary, and the Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first people to stand on the summit of the world’s highest peak. Read more...