wahine disaster

The Wahine disaster

The Wahine set of from Christchurch  to wellington in a storm that led it off track and hit Barrett reef
and tor a hole in the Wahine. they were supposed to get to wellington at 7.00 am but the times the alarms went off saying were going to abandon ship it was already 2.00 PM!. There were two boats from the harbour that helped to save them the "Tapuhi" and the "Aromoana". there were 610 people on the Wahine and 51 people died.

Denny Hulme wins Formula One title

Death of poet James K. Baxter

22 October 1972

Acknowledged as one of New Zealand’s most accomplished poets, Baxter had devoted the last years of his life to social work among alcoholics and drug addicts. He died in Auckland, aged 46, soon after leaving the commune he had founded several years earlier at Jerusalem (Hiruhārama) on the Whanganui River. 

Peter Snell wins second gold in Tokyo

21 October 1964

In the eight days leading up to the Olympic 1500-m final Snell had already run five races: the heats, semi-final and final of the 800 m – in which he won gold – and the heats and semi-final of the 1500 m. Joining him in the 1500-m final was Kiwi teammate John Davies, who just made it through his semi-final, placing third.

Chief Justice declares treaty 'worthless' and a 'simple nullity'

17 October 1877

Chief Justice Sir James Prendergast’s statements when delivering judgement in the case of Wi Parata v The Bishop of Wellington would influence decision-making on Treaty of Waitangi issues for decades. Chief Justice Sir James Prendergast’s statements when delivering judgment in the case of Wi Parata v The Bishop of Wellington would influence decision-making on Treaty of Waitangi issues for decades.

Jean Batten reaches Auckland after epic solo flight

Jean Batten reaches Auckland after epic solo flight

16 October 1936

Jean Batten flew from England to New Zealand at the 5th of October 4.20 am and arrived at the 16th of October 6.30 pm . she had installed two extra petrol tanks on her Percival (Vega) Gull low-winged monoplane.

New Zealand coast watchers executed by the Japanese

15 October 1942

17 New Zealand coast watchers captured in the gilbert Islands in ww2. They were beheaded at betio tarawa. During august and september 1942, 17 military coast watchers and 5 civilians were captured as Japanese forces overran the Gilbert Islands. Imprisoned on Tarawa atoll, they were all beheaded following an american air raid on the island.