Sydney Harbour Bridge – the Unofficial Opening
March19th,1932 was a beautiful day in Sydney. The sky was cloudless, the sea was still and a million people gathered on the city's streets....
Tasmania’s Indigenous People and the Impact of Colonisation
Suggestions of genocide put the colonisation of Australia in a harsh light. The issue arises most frequently in reference to the natives of Tasmania.
When...
The Rangitoto Eruption: Birth of an Iconic Island
Rangitoto Island dominates the skyline north and east of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. A mere seven hundred years ago, Rangitoto did not exist.
Scientists...
A Brief History of Cooktown in North Queensland, Australia
Cooktown, in far north Queensland, provides visitors with a rich Aboriginal and European history alongside the pleasures of a tropical Australian getaway.
Cooktown has a...
The Sea Dog and the Sea Cat: Matthew Flinders’ Cat Trim
Much is known of explorer Captain Matthew Flinders who circumnavigated Australia. Less is known of Trim, his constant companion and right hand cat.
The State...
The Taniwha: Monster of Maori Myth and Legend
The rich culture of the Maori people is resplendent with stories of supernatural beings. The taniwha is a recurring subject of many myths and...
Easter Island: Conservation Efforts, Challenges: Conflicts between Islanders and Chile Hinder Preservation
There are ongoing initiatives to conserve and restore the stone head sculptures of Easter Island, but tensions between islanders and Chile threaten efforts to...
Politics in Hawaii: A Brief History
Most visitors to Hawaii know little about its history. They may be aware that Hawai`i enjoys the distinction of having the only royal palace...
Te Reo: Use and Relevance of the Maori Language
The Waitangi Tribunal fears for the future of te reo, the Maori language that has its roots in Bronze Age Asia.
According to historical linguists,...
Abel Tasman and Australia, the Discovery of Van Diemen’s Land
Abel Janszoon Tasman was a player in the colonial expansionism of 17th century Holland. The Dutch, having established a trading empire in South East...