Aotearoa New Zealand changed dramatically in the 20th century. Discover what united and divided us, and shaped our lives today. Decide whether New Zealand really is a ‘slice of heaven’.
The 1900s saw Māori, women, and gay people all stand up for their rights. The country fought in two world wars – and then took a stand against nuclear weapons. The state grew – and shrank again. Find out about these and other historic events in this kaleidoscopic view of New Zealand life from the century that was.
Find out about our education programmes and the free teacher preview.
Find out about 20th century items in Te Papa's collections.
New Zealand's 20th century relationships with Britain, the US,
and the world.
The state’s changing role in New Zealanders’ lives in the 20th century.
The 1981 Springbok rugby tour, the women’s movement, and gay rights in New Zealand.
Māori rights, resilience, and resurgence in 20th century Aotearoa.
Can you survive in the early 20th century, identify famous New Zealanders, and guess which decade you're in?
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