Lord Rutherford 'NZ's Greatest History Maker'

Friday 11 November

Ernest, Lord Rutherford ' New Zealand's Greatest History Maker

Last night on Prime's history series New Zealand's Top 100 History Makers, the man who split the atom was named as New Zealand's most influential History Maker of all time.

Ernest, Lord Rutherford is one of three New Zealanders to have won the Nobel prize, and in the early 20th century was the world's dominant scientific thinker.

The Nelson born scientist is credited with several major discoveries, including his 1917 experiments to split the atom, and his work on radioactivity. His name can be found on an element called Rutherfordium, as well as the New Zealand $100 note.

The ranking was decided by a panel of eight who cast a Top 100 list of the greatest people in our recorded history.

Producer / Director Tainui Stephens who was one of the eight responsible for formulating the list, stated last night: 'Rutherford was clearly one of the greatest scientists ever and was proud of his kiwitanga right through to the end. He devised really simple experiments to answer really big questions. He opened a door to everything'.

Suffragette Kate Sheppard was ranked as our second most influential person, followed by Sir Edmund Hillary at number three.

Panelist and Radio Host Kerre Woodham said of Hillary, 'He is the quintessential hero. He's an adventurer. He's a man who believes in giving back more than he takes. He's an inspiration to us all and we couldn't not include him'.

New Zealand's Top Ten History Makers As Selected By The Panel:

10 Jean Batten 09 Captain William Hobson 08 Sir Frederic Truby King 07 Hone Heke 06 Sir Apirana Ngata 05 Michael Joseph Savage 04 Sir George Grey 03 Sir Edmund Hillary 02 Kate Sheppard 01 Ernest, Lord Rutherford

Next Thursday, 17 November the live finale will decide the People's Choice vote, from St Matthew In The City, Auckland.

Tune into the LIVE final of New Zealand's Top 100 History Makers, Thursday, 17 November at 7.30pm on Prime.

ENDS

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