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People & Values

Discover stories of extraordinary people who not only redefined Aotearoa New Zealand, but also the world.
People & Values
Legacy Project
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Samuel Parnell

After completing his apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner in the 1830s, Samuel Duncan Parnell worked in a large joinery establishment in London. He regularly faced 12 to 14-hour workdays, and was known to debate vigorously with his colleagues about the length of time they spent at work:

People & Values
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Cliff Curtis

Cliff Curtis (Ngāti Hauiti, Te Arawa) has made a name for himself as one of the most versatile actors working in both Hollywood and New Zealand, with an extensive career spanning over three decades. He was raised and identifies with his Māori ancestry.

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Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes

Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes was a New Zealand surgeon who played a crucial role in the development of open-heart surgery. His talent and use of ingenuity saw him overcome numerous challenges in the field and led to the development of techniques that have set the standard for others to follow. His work has saved countless lives and cemented him as one of New Zealand’s most inspiring pioneers.

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Colin Murdoch

It’s hard to overstate the number of lives saved by Colin Murdoch – is it millions, tens of millions, hundreds? In 1952, inspired by the design of his fountain pen, this polyglot inventor scribbled down an idea for a cheap, disposable syringe that could deliver medicine, especially vaccines, to millions of people without the threat of cross-contamination.

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Billy Apple

Celebrated artist Billy Apple has fronted two international art movements – pop and conceptual art. Born Barrie Bates in Auckland on New Year’s Eve 1935, he attended Mount Albert Grammar School until he was 15.

People & Values
Legacy Project
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David Lange

David Lange was the 32nd Prime Minister of New Zealand, serving from 1984 to 1989. He is widely considered to be a symbol of New Zealand’s peace, social justice, and independent thinking due to his leadership and commitment to principles.