Dictionary Of New Zealand Biography Quiz
I don’t know if everyone knows that to qualify for entry into the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (DNZB) one needs to be dead. If people did know, they might not be quite so keen to make an appearance. This quiz focuses on the 11 new DNZB entries that we’ve just published; among other things these people have made their mark in sports, politics, and the arts. You might think you know a bit about them, but wouldn’t you like to know a little more?
- 1.
When Peter Blake was on This Is Your Life, his mother recalled him as a boy who had always had a rapport with water. What was her first indication of this?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
He used to like his bath as a baby
- B.
He was mesmerised by the rain
- C.
He loved his paddling pool and rubber duck
Correct Answer
A. He used to like his bath as a baby -
- 2.
Robert Muldoon had a distinctive lopsided grin. What was the reason for it?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
His wry smile was caused by a childhood accident involving a fence
- B.
It was a the result of a car accident in his teens
- C.
He was born with muscular paralysis on one side of his face
Correct Answer
A. His wry smile was caused by a childhood accident involving a fenceExplanation
The given answer states that Robert Muldoon's distinctive lopsided grin was caused by a childhood accident involving a fence. This suggests that Muldoon's smile was not natural or intentional but rather a result of an incident that occurred during his childhood. The accident involving a fence likely caused some physical damage or injury to Muldoon's face, resulting in the lopsided grin that became a distinctive feature of his appearance.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In 1953 Edmund Hillary climbed Mt Everest, the highest mountain above sea level. When he reached the summit who was he with?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
George Lowe
- B.
Tenzing Norgay
- C.
Eric Shipton
Correct Answer
B. Tenzing NorgayExplanation
Tenzing Norgay was the person with whom Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mt Everest in 1953.Rate this question:
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- 4.
When Sonja Davies was nursing in Wellington she contracted a disease from patients. What was the disease?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
Scarlet fever
- B.
Tuberculosis
- C.
Meningitis
Correct Answer
B. TuberculosisExplanation
Sonja Davies contracted tuberculosis while nursing in Wellington.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Arthur Lydiard was a renowned runner and running coach, winning the 1950 Auckland Empire Games marathon and training many of New Zealand’s star runners. Which of the following was the first New Zealander to break the four minute mile?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
Murray Halberg
- B.
Peter Snell
- C.
Barry Magee
Correct Answer
A. Murray HalbergExplanation
Murray Halberg was the first New Zealander to break the four-minute mile. This is evident from the given information that Arthur Lydiard trained many of New Zealand's star runners, indicating that he may have trained Halberg. Additionally, the question does not provide any information about Peter Snell or Barry Magee breaking the four-minute mile, further supporting the answer that Murray Halberg was the first to achieve this feat.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In 1988 this composer received the Order of New Zealand, created to recognise outstanding service to the Crown and people of New Zealand in a civil or military capacity. What was his name?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
Edwin Carr
- B.
Jack Body
- C.
Douglas Lilburn
Correct Answer
C. Douglas LilburnExplanation
Douglas Lilburn received the Order of New Zealand in 1988. The Order of New Zealand is a prestigious honor given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Crown and people of New Zealand. Lilburn, being a composer, must have made outstanding contributions to the arts in New Zealand, which led to him being recognized with this honor.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who was the prime minister of New Zealand at the time the Rainbow Warrior was sunk by the French secret service?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
David Lange
- B.
Geoffrey Palmer
- C.
Robert Muldoon
Correct Answer
A. David LangeExplanation
David Lange was the prime minister of New Zealand at the time the Rainbow Warrior was sunk by the French secret service.Rate this question:
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- 8.
This New Zealand author changed her name by deed poll to Nene Janet Paterson Clutha for fear of public recognition. What do we know her as?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
Ngaio Marsh
- B.
Elsie Locke
- C.
Janet Frame
Correct Answer
C. Janet FrameExplanation
Janet Frame, a New Zealand author, changed her name to Nene Janet Paterson Clutha to avoid public recognition.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Rather than actually changing their name, writers more often use a pseudonym or nom de plume to write under. What New Zealand writer produced satirical works under the name Whim Wham?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
Allen Curnow
- B.
R. A. K. Mason
- C.
Denis Glover
Correct Answer
A. Allen Curnow -
- 10.
Bill Rowling, who became prime minister in 1974, was born in which New Zealand town?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
Maruia Springs
- B.
Motueka
- C.
Murchison
Correct Answer
B. MotuekaExplanation
Motueka is the correct answer because it is the birthplace of Bill Rowling, who became the prime minister of New Zealand in 1974. To verify this information, one can refer to Te Ara, a reliable source that provides information about New Zealand's history and culture.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Hone Tuwhare wrote a collection of poems called No ordinary sun, which was published in 1964. What is the title poem about?Find the answer in Te Ara
- A.
Atomic apocalypse
- B.
The life of Jesus
- C.
The bright lights of Auckland
Correct Answer
A. Atomic apocalypseExplanation
The title poem "No ordinary sun" by Hone Tuwhare is about an atomic apocalypse. It explores the devastating effects of nuclear warfare and the destruction it brings upon the world. The poem reflects on the immense power of the sun and draws parallels between its natural energy and the destructive force of nuclear weapons. Tuwhare's powerful imagery and vivid language convey the horrors and consequences of atomic warfare, emphasizing the need for peace and the preservation of our planet.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 18, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Dec 06, 2010Quiz Created by
TeAra
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