Today in NZ history- 02/06/1917 - New Zealand steamer captured by the WolfThe steamer Wairuna, en route from Auckland to San Francisco, was captured by the German raider Wolf and later sunk near the Kermadec Islands. The crew of 42 was taken prisoner.
- 02/06/1970 - Motor racing driver Bruce McLaren diesIn 1958 Bruce McLaren was the first recipient of the Driver to Europe award, which enabled promising Kiwis to race against the world’s best.
- 03/06/1869 - University of Otago foundedGovernor George Bowen gave his assent to the Otago Provincial Council’s University of Otago Ordinance, enabling the establishment of New Zealand’s first university.
- 03/06/1936 - Colin 'Pinetree' Meads bornThe legendary All Black lock was a physically tough, uncompromising player. Rugby writer Lindsay Knight described Colin Meads as New Zealand's equivalent of Australia's Sir Donald Bradman or American Babe Ruth as a sporting legend.
- 02/06/1917 - New Zealand steamer captured by the Wolf
