Sources: BBC
New Zealand's Whakaari - White Island stratovolcano erupts with reports of at least five fatalities and a number of people injured or missing. Around 50 people, mostly tourists, were believed to be on the island at the time of eruption, according to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. 2019-12-9
Seven regions in New Zealand declare states of emergency as Cyclone Gita makes landfall. 2018-02-20
New Zealanders vote to retain the current flag over the proposed design in the nation's flag referendum. More than 2 million people vote in the referendum. 2016-03-24
Voting begins for the second stage of New Zealand's flag referendum with the current flag going up against the design chosen on the first stage of the referendum. Voting will end on March 23 with polling showing the current flag is favoured to win. 2016-03-3
New Zealand announces the flag design chosen by the public that will challenge the current flag in a March 2016 vote. Voters will choose between the current flag, which features the British Union Jack with a dark blue background, and the challenger, a silver fern and four red stars on a black and blue background. 2015-12-15
Four alternatives to the current New Zealand flag are chosen for a Spring referendum (20 November – 11 December 2015) in which New Zealanders will determine their favorite of the new designs. 2015-09-1
A government appointed panel chooses 40 finalist flag designs out of more than 10,000 submitted. 2015-08-12
New Zealand says it plans to hold a referendum regarding the change of its national flag. 2014-03-11
A South Korean deep sea trawler sinks in the Southern Ocean two thousand kilometres south of New Zealand with at least five people dead and seventeen missing. 2010-12-13
Suspended TVNZ broadcaster Paul Henry is embroiled in further controversy as his mockery of Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit is declared "racist" and "unacceptable" and New Zealand's ambassador to India is summoned for a dressing down. 2010-10-7