Today in NZ history- 08/12/1932 - First issue of New Zealand Woman's WeeklyThe first issue of the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly was distributed during the Depression. The magazine contained advice on cooking and housework, romantic short stories, knitting patterns and feature articles.
- 08/12/1941 - New Zealand declares war on JapanNew Zealand's declaration followed the surprise attack on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Japan also attacked Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaya.
- 08/12/1942 - Deadly fire at Seacliff Mental Hospital The fire that swept through a locked ward of the Seacliff Mental Hospital, north of Dunedin, killed 37 female patients.
- 08/12/1972 - First Māori woman Cabinet ministerWhetu Tirikātene-Sullivan became the first female Māori Cabinet minister when she was sworn in as Minister of Tourism in Norman Kirk’s third Labour government
- 08/12/1932 - First issue of New Zealand Woman's Weekly
