"Have you ever rolled your eyes and thought, 'Nothing happens in New Zealand? ' Think again. For those in the know, every day on our calendar tells its own story. Today in New Zealand History reals the milestones, innovations, catastrophes, victories and quirky facts behind the dates. Inside, you'll meet the people who make up our story, from the movers, shakers and innovators like Ernest Rutherford and Edmund Hillary to the lesser known pioneers who broke barriers and changed minds, like our first ever female doctor, mayor and MP. You'll read about the tragedies that brought our nation together: from New Zealand's 'blackest day' at Passchendaele (12 October 1917) to the more recent Canterbury earthquakes, as well as the struggles that, at times, have revealed a country divided, from the British attack on Ruapekapeka Pa (11 January 1846) to anti-Springbok protests (25 July 1981). It's not all triumph and disaster, and this wouldn't be New Zealand without a healthy dose of the bizarre. From Jockey Y-fronts (16 March 1940) to the Greymouth beer boycott (29 September 1947) and a parachuting Santa (20 November 1937), you'll find plenty to delight and surprise throughout these pages. " -- back cover.