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.
Population reaches three million.
1981 South African rugby tour brings widespread social disruption and violence. One year long wage and price and rent freeze imposed, but lasts until 1984. 1985 Anti-nuclear policy leads to refusal of an American warship visit. French secret service agents charged with manslaughter after bombing of Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour. Goods and Services Tax introduced on nearly everything, simultaneously with substantial reductions and simplification in income tax.