Born: 1919-07-20
Profession: Explorer, Mountaineer, Humanitarian
Bio: Sir Edmund Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer and explorer, best known for being one of the first two men to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. A lifelong adventurer, he also dedicated much of his life to humanitarian work, especially for the Sherpa people of Nepal.
Born: 1980-07-26
Profession: Politician, Prime Minister of New Zealand
Bio: Jacinda Ardern was the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand, serving from 2017 to 2023. Known for her compassionate leadership, Ardern gained international acclaim for her response to the Christchurch mosque shootings and her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Born: 1899-03-26
Profession: Motorcyclist, Engineer
Bio: Burt Munro was a New Zealand motorcycle racer, best known for setting a land speed record in 1967 at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA. His legendary achievements with his Indian motorcycle inspired the film "The World's Fastest Indian."
Born: 1944-03-06
Profession: Opera Singer
Bio: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is a renowned New Zealand soprano, known for her performances in opera houses around the world. She became internationally famous for her role in the 1981 wedding of Charles, Prince of Wales, and Lady Diana Spencer.
Born: 1996-11-07
Profession: Singer-Songwriter
Bio: Lorde, born Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor, is a Grammy-winning New Zealand singer and songwriter. She rose to fame with her debut album "Pure Heroine" and the hit single "Royals," which received worldwide acclaim for its unique style and depth.
Born: 1975-08-16
Profession: Filmmaker, Actor, Comedian
Bio: Taika Waititi is a New Zealand filmmaker, actor, and comedian. He is known for his work on films such as "What We Do in the Shadows," "Hunt for the Wilderpeople," and for directing "Thor: Ragnarok" for Marvel Studios, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Born: 1980-12-31
Profession: Rugby Player
Bio: Richie McCaw is a former New Zealand rugby player who captained the All Blacks to victory in the 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups. Widely regarded as one of the best openside flankers in rugby history, McCaw earned numerous accolades during his career.
Born: 1961-10-31
Profession: Filmmaker, Producer
Bio: Peter Jackson is a New Zealand film director and producer, best known for directing the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies. His innovative work in film-making has garnered global recognition and numerous Academy Awards.
Born: 1924-08-28
Profession: Writer
Bio: Janet Frame was a New Zealand writer who gained international acclaim for her novels and short stories, exploring themes of mental illness, societal expectations, and personal identity. Her autobiographies, particularly "An Angel at My Table," were highly praised.
Born: 1944-02-07
Profession: Writer
Bio: Witi Ihimaera is a New Zealand novelist and short story writer of Māori descent. His works, including "The Whale Rider," which was adapted into a successful film, explore themes of cultural identity and the Māori experience in contemporary New Zealand.
