NEW ZEALAND . . .
First liver transplant performed at Sydney
The world’s most isolated nation became less isolated – first 737, 1968
Air New Zealand formed, 1965 (takes Australian share of Tasman Empire Airways, Limited); new airport opens in 1966
Second surgeon in the world to replace a heart valve from a cadaver (62)
First major oil strike, 1969
Exports to Britain drop;
One party, one PM, 1960-1972 – “Steady as she goes.”
Most powerful earthquake of the 20th century (9.5) off Chile in 1960; 9.2 in 1964 (Alaska);
really excels in sports out of all proportion to population – Olympics (Peter Snell, etc), America’s Cup, etc. Hugely successful in rugby golden age for the All Blacks (e.g., 36-1 in 1963);
New Zealander wins British Open (first left hander – 1963); Formula One 1967;
New Zealand-born Maurice Wilkins wins DNA Nobel Prize (Rutherford)
NAFTA – 1965
University of Waikato founded at Hamilton in 1964 – now in top 2% in world
Kiri Te Kanawa – NZ/Maori launched
Decimal currency 1967 – whatever – match Australia
National Trust of Australia (architecture chapter) – founded 1965