NZHistory.net.nz, New Zealand history online This week in history

1. 23/02/1940 - 100,000 welcome home HMS Achilles crew
   The New Zealand cruiser HMS Achilles had taken part in the Battle of the River Plate, the Allies' first naval victory of the Second World War.
   
2. 23/02/1904 - First step in creation of Fiordland National Park
   940,000 ha in western Southland was permanently reserved for a national park. The 1952 National Parks Act formally created what has become New Zealand's largest national park and one of the largest in the world.
   
3. 24/02/1902 - End of the battle of Langverwacht Hill
   Twenty-four New Zealanders were killed in this battle during the South African (Boer) War. A total of 234 New Zealanders died while serving in New Zealand's first overseas war.
   
4. 24/02/1870 - Last detachment of Imperial forces leaves New Zealand
   The final detachment of the 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment departs from New Zealand, leaving the Armed Constabulary (formed in 1867) responsible for the colony's internal defence.
   
5. 25/02/1943 - 49 killed in Featherston POW riot
   Forty-eight Japanese POWs and one guard were killed in the riot. News of the incident was kept quiet until 1945 for fear of retribution against Allied prisoners in Japanese camps.