New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 66
Here are 7 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 66:
Ernest Rutherford
Ernest Rutherford (August 30, 1871 Brightwater-October 19, 1937 Cambridge) also known as Ernest Rutherford, 1st Baron Rutherford of Nelson or Lord Ernest Rutherford was a New Zealand physicist, chemist and scientist.
He is considered one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century, known for his pioneering work on radioactivity and nuclear physics. Rutherford studied at the University of New Zealand and completed his doctoral studies at the University of Cambridge. He conducted groundbreaking experiments that led to the discovery of the atomic nucleus and the development of the nuclear model of the atom. Rutherford also made significant contributions to the field of medical research, particularly in the use of radioactive isotopes for the treatment of cancer. He received numerous awards and honors for his scientific achievements, including the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908. After his death, Rutherford was commemorated on the New Zealand ten dollar note and was granted a peerage, becoming the first person from the Southern Hemisphere to be raised to the House of Lords.
Rutherford's work laid the foundation for the development of nuclear energy and paved the way for the creation of numerous medical technologies used today. He taught and mentored a number of successful scientists, including Niels Bohr, and played an important role in shaping the scientific community throughout his life. Rutherford was known for his humble personality and his strong work ethic. He was also an avid sportsman, enjoying activities such as hiking and rugby. Despite his numerous accolades and achievements, Rutherford remained committed to his research and continued to push the boundaries of science until his death in 1937. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest scientific minds in history and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists.
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Peter Fraser
Peter Fraser (August 28, 1884 Tain-December 12, 1950 Wellington) was a New Zealand politician and stevedore.
He served as the 24th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1940 until 1949, leading the country through most of World War II. Fraser was known for his social justice policies, including the introduction of a universal social security system and reforms to labor laws. He also played a key role in the formation of the United Nations and served as the President of the UN General Assembly in 1947. Fraser was posthumously named as one of New Zealand's greatest leaders and a statue in his honor stands in his hometown of Tain.
During his time as Prime Minister, Fraser also oversaw significant changes to New Zealand's education system, including the introduction of free secondary education. He was a strong advocate for racial equality and his government passed a law providing for equal pay for men and women doing the same jobs.
Fraser was born in Scotland and migrated to New Zealand with his family as a child. He left school at the age of 13 and worked as a miner and later as a stevedore. He became involved in politics through the trade union movement and was elected to parliament in 1918 as a member of the New Zealand Labour Party.
Fraser's leadership during World War II was characterized by his commitment to supporting the Allied effort while also working to maintain New Zealand's social welfare programs. His government implemented rationing and other measures to conserve resources for the war effort while also providing support for families of servicemen and women.
After retiring as Prime Minister in 1949, Fraser remained active in politics and continued to work on social justice issues. He was awarded the Order of Merit by the British government in 1946 and was posthumously inducted into the International Hall of Fame at the United Nations in 2000.
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Norman Lowther Edson
Norman Lowther Edson (March 1, 1904-May 12, 1970) also known as Norman Edson was a New Zealand scientist.
Norman Edson was born in Auckland, New Zealand and completed his education at the University of Auckland. He went on to study at the University of California and worked at a number of institutions including the Rockefeller Institute and Columbia University in New York City. Edson made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, including his work on oxidative metabolism and the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. He also played a key role in the development of penicillin during World War II. Edson was widely respected in his field and received numerous awards, including the prestigious Emil Fisher Medal from the American Chemical Society in 1944. He passed away in 1970 in New York City.
In addition to his impressive scientific achievements, Norman Edson left a lasting influence in the academic world. He held teaching positions at a number of institutions, including his alma mater, the University of Auckland, as well as the University of California and Columbia University. Edson was a firm believer in the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration, and his approach inspired many of his students and colleagues to pursue similar paths. He was known for his generosity and his dedication to supporting the next generation of scientists, and he established a number of scholarships and fellowships to help young researchers pursue their goals. Edson's legacy in the scientific community continues to be celebrated today, and his work remains a foundational part of the field of biochemistry.
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William Reeves
William Reeves (February 10, 1825 Clapham-April 4, 1891 Opawa) was a New Zealand journalist.
He was born in England and migrated to New Zealand in 1853. Reeves worked as a journalist and editor for several newspapers, including the Lyttelton Times and the Christchurch Press. He was also involved in politics and was a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council. Reeves was known for his liberal views and championing issues such as women's suffrage and education reform. He wrote several books on New Zealand's history and society, including The Long White Cloud, which is still considered a classic in New Zealand literature. Reeves' legacy lives on through the many institutions named after him, including the William Reeves Tower at the University of Canterbury.
In addition to his journalism work and political involvement, William Reeves was also a philanthropist. He was a founding member of the Canterbury Society of Arts and served as its president for several years. Reeves was also a supporter of the Canterbury Museum and made significant contributions to its collections. He was also actively involved in the establishment of the University of Canterbury and served on its council. Reeves' commitment to education was further demonstrated by his role as a founding member of the Lyttelton School Committee. In recognition of his contributions to society, Reeves was knighted in 1889.
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Tom Puna
Tom Puna (October 28, 1929 India-April 5, 1996) was a New Zealand personality.
He was of Māori descent and was known for being a prominent rugby league player and coach. Puna played for the New Zealand Kiwis in the 1950s and later coached several teams including the New Zealand Māori rugby league team, which he led to victory in the Pacific Cup in 1995. Outside of rugby league, Puna was also involved in politics and served as a member of parliament for the Māori electorate of Northern Māori from 1984 to 1990. He was highly respected among the Māori community and was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1993 for his services to rugby league and Māori.
Puna was born in India, where his father was serving in the New Zealand Army. He grew up in the small Northland town of Moerewa and began playing rugby league as a teenager. Puna's talent on the field soon became evident, and he was recruited to play for the Auckland side in 1951. He played 18 games for Auckland before being selected for the New Zealand national team in 1953.
Puna's international career spanned six years, during which he played 27 times for the Kiwis. He was a powerful runner and a tough tackler, and was known for his ability to turn a game with his individual brilliance. After retiring from playing, Puna turned his attention to coaching and quickly made a name for himself in the rugby league community.
In addition to coaching the New Zealand Māori rugby league team, Puna also coached the Bay of Plenty Stags, the Auckland Warriors reserve grade team, and the New Zealand Residents XIII. He was a mentor to many young players and was respected for his knowledge of the game and his willingness to share his expertise.
Puna's political career began in 1984 when he was elected to parliament as a member of the Labour Party. During his time in office, he was a strong advocate for Māori rights and was instrumental in the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal, which investigates claims of historical grievances by Māori against the Crown.
Puna passed away in 1996 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as one of New Zealand's most respected and influential figures in rugby league, politics, and the Māori community.
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James Kelham
James Kelham (April 5, 1796-April 5, 1862) was a New Zealand personality.
He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland and later moved to New Zealand in 1820, where he became a prominent merchant and landowner in the country. He also served as a member of the New Zealand Legislative Council, representing Wellington. Kelham is known for his involvement in the establishment of the New Zealand Company, which played a major role in the colonization of New Zealand by European settlers. In addition to his political and business endeavors, Kelham was also an avid gardener and botanist, and collected a large number of plant specimens which he housed in a private herbarium. He passed away on his 66th birthday in Wellington, New Zealand.
Aside from his involvement with the New Zealand Company, James Kelham also played a key role in the founding of the Anglican Church in New Zealand. He helped establish St. Paul's Church in Thorndon, which was the first Anglican church in the country. He also gave generous donations to other churches in the area and was known for his philanthropic works. Kelham was highly regarded for his intelligence and benevolence, and his contributions to New Zealand society are still recognized today. He is remembered not only as a businessman and politician, but also as a respected community leader and influential figure in early New Zealand history.
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Dave Crowe
Dave Crowe (October 18, 1933 Blenheim-May 12, 2000 Auckland) was a New Zealand personality. His children are called Jeff Crowe and Martin Crowe.
Dave Crowe was a well-known cricket umpire in New Zealand during the 1970s and 1980s. He was recognized for his excellent umpiring skills and an innate understanding of the game. Crowe was born in Blenheim, New Zealand, on October 18, 1933. He later moved to Auckland, where he raised his two sons, Jeff Crowe and Martin Crowe.
Apart from his umpiring career, Crowe was also known for his contributions to various community organizations. He played a significant role in the development of youth cricket in Auckland and helped establish the Cornwall Cricket Club, which has since become one of the most successful cricket clubs in the country.
In 2000, Dave Crowe passed away in Auckland at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in cricket umpiring and community service. His sons, Jeff and Martin, went on to become legendary cricketers themselves, with Martin considered one of the greatest batsmen in New Zealand cricket history.
Jeff and Martin both credit their father for instilling in them the values of sportsmanship, hard work, and dedication that helped them succeed in their respective cricketing careers. Dave Crowe's contributions to the game of cricket were recognized by the New Zealand Cricket Board, which named the Dave Crowe Medal for the best umpire of the year. The medal is still awarded to this day and serves as a fitting tribute to a man who devoted his life to the sport he loved. Dave Crowe's legacy continues to inspire both players and umpires in New Zealand and around the world, and his impact on the game of cricket will never be forgotten.
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