From nzhistory at list.mch.govt.nz Wed Aug 29 14:38:25 2007 From: nzhistory at list.mch.govt.nz (nzhistory@list.mch.govt.nz) Date: Wed Aug 29 14:39:03 2007 Subject: [NZhistory.net.nz] New features on NZHistory.net.nz Message-ID: Welcome to the NZHistory.net.nz newsletter, 29 August 2007 NEW FEATURES 1987 Rugby World Cup For a country where rugby is often referred to as a religion, hosting and winning the first world cup was a big deal. The story of how the tournament came about mixes the worlds of sport, politics and money. Find out more: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/4953 Dominion status On 26 September 1907 the colony of New Zealand ceased to exist. New Zealand became a dominion within the British Empire. For a few years, some New Zealanders celebrated 'Dominion Day' on 26 September with parades and public events. Find out more: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/5006 Rail tourism >From the late 19th century the expanding rail network opened up exciting leisure and tourism opportunities for ordinary New Zealand families. NZ Railways promoted rail holidays via bright, attractive posters and its own popular monthly magazine. Find out more: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/5054 Political and constitutional timeline Major milestones in New Zealand's political and constitutional development. Find out more: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/5040 Maori and the vote The involvement of Maori in New Zealand's electoral system is one of the most remarkable stories of this country's political history. Despite ongoing debate, the Maori seats set up in 1867 remain a distinctive feature of our electoral landscape. Find out more: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/5044 The road to MMP In 1993 New Zealanders voted in a referendum to change their voting system from the traditional first-past-the-post (FPP) method to Mixed Member Proportional representation (MMP). This was the most dramatic change to the country's electoral system since the introduction of women's suffrage 100 years before. Find out more: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/5085 Maori and the Second World War Though some Maori questioned why they should fight Britain's war, the 28th (Maori) Battalion became one of the most celebrated and decorated units in the New Zealand forces. Find out more: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/node/4887 We hope you enjoy these new topics. NZHistory.net.nz team Please follow the link below if you wish to unsubscribe from this email list. Contact us at webmaster@mch.govt.nz if you require any assistance or have any comments.