30 May

New Zealand turns down federation with Australia

1901 New Zealand turns down federation with Australia

A 10-man Royal Commission reported unanimously that New Zealand should not become a state of the new Commonwealth of Australia. Read more...
Auckland harbour bridge opens

1959 Auckland harbour bridge opens

New Zealand’s best-known bridge opened after four years of construction. The need for better transport links between Auckland city and the North Shore had long been the subject of inquiry and agitation. Read more...
New honours system established

1996 New honours system established

A totally New Zealand Royal Honours System was established with the institution of the New Zealand Order of Merit, which replaced the various British State Orders of Chivalry. Read more...