[NZhistory.net.nz] Pencarrow Lighthouse and summer on NZHistory.net.nz

[nzhistory at list.mch.govt.nz]

Welcome to the NZHistory.net.nz newsletter, 24 December 2008
 

NEW TOPIC
Pencarrow Lighthouse
The latest addition to NZHistory.net celebrates the 150th anniversary of Pencarrow Lighthouse, which was lit for the first time on 1 January 1859. As well as being New Zealand's first permanent lighthouse, Pencarrow was also home to this country's first - and only - female lighthouse keeper, Mary Bennett. Explore the fascinating story of Wellington's struggle to get a lighthouse built, its construction, changing role and restoration, and the harsh working and living conditions endured by the keeper and their families who lived there. Find out more here:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/pencarrow-lighthouse

SUMMER ON NZHISTORY.NET.NZ 
Continuing the maritime theme, this summer we're also showcasing the colourful story of the Cook Strait ferries: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/cook-strait-ferries 
As many of us have experience, on a fine, calm day 'Cruising on The Interislander' can be like a luxury Mediterranean cruise, but Cook Strait can also be one of the world's roughest stretches of water.

And it wouldn't be a Kiwi summer without Christmas. At NZHistory.net we are celebrating the Kiwi Christmas -  http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/kiwi-xmas - with 12 stories that showcase some of the quirkier aspects of New Zealand Christmases past and present. 

On a sadder note, today commemorates the 55th anniversary of the Tangiwai rail disaster - New Zealand's worst - which claimed 151 lives on Christmas Eve 1953: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/the-tangiwai-railway-disaster. 

In addition, 11 January 2009 marks the first anniversary of the death of one of the greatest of all New Zealanders, Sir Edmund Hillary: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/edmund-hillary. To honour Sir Ed's contribution and achievements, we'll be highlighting the feature we originally posted last January, as well as marking two key events in that month's 'Today in History' calendar: 4 January 1958, when Hillary reached the South Pole by Massey Fergusson tractor, and 20 January 1957, when Scott Base was opened in Antarctica.

In other big news, we have now finished expanding our Today in History stories, so that viewers can read more detailed snapshots of key events and moments from New Zealand history for each day of the year. And don't forget to check out our Kiwi of the Week biographies and our weekly quiz!

The team at NZHistory.net wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a relaxing summer break, and we'll be back in 2009 with some great new features!