1946 Universal Family Benefit of one pound a week. 1947 New Zealand Parliament adopts the Statute of Westminster recognising New Zealand as a fully independent state, although owing allegiance to the British King. New Zealand naval and ground forces go to Korea. Boom in wool prices. Protracted 151 day waterfront dispute destroys many strong nation-wide unions.
Population reaches two million.
1953 First tour by a reigning monarch. Edmund Hillary and sherpa Tenzing Norgay first to climb Mount Everest. 151 die in train wreck caused by volcanic lahar from Mt Ruapehu. New Zealand sends troops to Vietnam and protests begin. 1969 Vote for 20 year olds.