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Contents

Letters

A Dog’s Tale

Legendary outlaw James McKenzie, his loyal collie, and a disputed sheep theft.

TV arrives early

Hokitika volunteers defied geography, bringing television to the West Coast early.

War Journalist faced many encounters with death

Fearless New Zealand journalist Kate Webb survived war, captivity, and tragedy reporting from conflict zones.

‘Butterdean’

A pioneering merchant brought exotic goods, cultural diversity, and entrepreneurial flair to colonial New Zealand. 

A link with Sir Edmund Hillary

A treasured desk linked to Sir Edmund Hillary returned home after decades at Scott Base.

‘Nipper’ – the story of Squadron Leader ‘Nipper’ Joyce DFM, RNZAF

‘Nipper’ Joyce became New Zealand’s first night-fighter ace, hunting enemy aircraft in moonlit desert skies.

The ‘Three Rs’ in 1945

A nostalgic look at 1940s primary schooling, from chalkboards to times tables.

Depression Assets: Some South Auckland Relief Projects

Depression-era relief workers built parks, drainage schemes and community assets still valued today.

Bogus Gold Rush earns Creator a whipping

A bogus Otago gold rush lured hundreds of hopeful miners, ending in public humiliation and punishment. 

WEL Remembered

Women’s Electoral Lobby helped transform New Zealand politics, advancing women’s representation, leadership and influence in public life.

Ordinary Men, Extraordinary Courage

A moving tribute to New Zealand airmen whose wartime courage, sacrifice and resilience shaped lives long after combat ended.

Golden Bats & Pink Pigeons

A Mauritian family’s journey to New Zealand reveals resilience, loss and reconnection.

Visitors from outer space?

A mysterious Ngatea circle sparked UFO theories, scientific investigations and nationwide fascination.

Kiwi Ecologist was a World Number One

An inspiring tribute to ecologist Graeme Caughley, a world leader in wildlife science.

From Early European Migrants to ‘Ten Pound Poms’

From early European pioneers to ‘Ten Pound Poms’, migrants helped shape modern New Zealand.

Two Lighthouses – one and the same

The remarkable story of a lighthouse from Mana Island rebuilt at Cape Egmont, guiding mariners for over 160 years.