Brian Cross
My working career has involved a lot of business writing, in both public and private organisation settings. Suite101 provides the opportunity to write about my general interests as well.
Meaningful comment about what goes on in the world means first getting out, doing things and going places. For me an attraction of travel is the opportunity to study the history and geographical features of my destinations, and reflect on the cultures and attitudes of the people who live there.
As a resident of the South Pacific and student of its colourful history, I value my role as Suite101's South Pacific History Topic Editor. The learning process of research is a positive experience in itself, as is the creativity involved in producing a new work on a favourite subject.
My best qualifications for this pursuit are an enquiring mind, objectivity and an appreciation that it is a multitude of differences that make up the world. I have a degree from Victoria University of Wellington with majors in International Relations and Asian Studies.
Latest Articles
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A Short Account of the Wahine Disaster
Tragic drama and notable acts of heroism played out just offshore, as Wellington residents looked on helplessly during the storm of the century.
Apr 27, 2012
- Brian Cross
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World War One Raider Wolf on the Prowl around New Zealand
Among the most successful German World War I raiders, the converted freighter Wolf roamed the high seas as far as New Zealand in pursuit of enemy shipping.
Apr 17, 2012
- Brian Cross
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Some Special New Zealand Songs for Anzac Day
When Kiwis fought for King and country far away, the natural musical talents of their Maori comrades came to the fore as the occasion called.
Mar 20, 2012
- Brian Cross
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Bikini Atoll, the Pacific's First Nuclear Proving Ground
One of the many low-lying atolls that make up the Marshall Islands, Bikini was ground zero in the early days of the nuclear arms race.
Mar 7, 2012
- Brian Cross
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Denniston Revived: A Journey into New Zealand's Coal Mining Past
An important piece of New Zealand's industrial heritage is revealed in a visit to the Rochfort Plateau, the remnants of Denniston and its famous incline.
Feb 25, 2012
- Brian Cross
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French Settlement in New Zealand and What Might Have Been
Whaling interests were behind efforts to establish the South Island as a French colony. France was too slow to beat the British, but the race was close.
Feb 2, 2012
- Brian Cross
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Pitcairn Island, a Haven in the South Pacific
Pitcairn Island is an isolated and remote place in the South Pacific. In 1789 it was also uninhabited. That made it an ideal home for the Bounty mutineers.
Jan 17, 2012
- Brian Cross
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Staying in Levanto to Visit Cinque Terre
Whatever the circumstances, the pleasant town of Levanto is well situated to serve as a base for visiting Cinque Terre National Park.
Jan 10, 2012
- Brian Cross
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Roald Amundsen: First to Reach the South Pole
Roald Amundsen's better equipped Norwegian team outdid the British expedition led by Robert Scott, and so were first to the southernmost point on Earth.
Dec 26, 2011
- Brian Cross
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One Man's War on the Western Front, 1917
When Britain called, Private Albert Cross answered, to join the thousands of young New Zealand men who went to war on the other side of the world.
Nov 21, 2011
- Brian Cross
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