1948: Notornis, I Presume?

Today in history, 20 November, 1948, Dr Geoffrey Orbell set out on a private expedition to find the notornis (takehe) presumed extinct since 1898. By finding two near Lake Te Anau, he proved they were still very much alive. We also re-visit the late 1980s with Geoffrey Palmer to hear his warnings about a future government that might exercise tyranical powers. Has it already happened?