23 December – The newly crowned Elizabeth II arrives in New Zealand for a royal tour scheduled to last until 30 January 1954. It is estimated that three in four New Zealanders would make an effort to see her during the tour.[6]
24 December –
Tangiwai disaster: A railway bridge collapses at
Tangiwai in the central
North Island, sending a fully loaded passenger train into the
Whangaehu River, killing 151 passengers on board. The disaster remains New Zealand's worst rail accident.
23 December – The newly crowned Elizabeth II arrives in New Zealand for a royal tour scheduled to last until 30 January 1954. It is estimated that three in four New Zealanders would make an effort to see her during the tour.[6]
24 December –
Tangiwai disaster: A railway bridge collapses at
Tangiwai in the central
North Island, sending a fully loaded passenger train into the
Whangaehu River, killing 151 passengers on board. The disaster remains New Zealand's worst rail accident.