Timeline of New Zealand history 903996 221289655 2008-06-23T21:42:55Z 203.167.192.251 /* 2000s */ This is a '''timeline of the [[History of New Zealand|History]] of [[New Zealand]]'''. {{TOCright}} == Pre-Colonial Timeline (to 1839) == ===Before 1600=== * [[180]]: [[Lake Taupo]] erupts violently. * [[1000]]-[[1300]]: Archaeological evidence (such as the [[Cabbage tree (New Zealand)|cabbage tree]] ovens on the [[Otago Peninsula]]) indicates that Polynesian settlement was established some time in this period. * [[1500]]: [[Rangitoto Island]], near [[Auckland]], was formed by a series of eruptions. While it is not expected to erupt again, the broader [[Auckland volcanic field]] is. ===Seventeenth century=== ;[[1642]] * [[December 13]]: [[Netherlands|Dutch]] [[explorer]] [[Abel Tasman]] sights the [[South Island]]. * [[December 18]]: [[Abel Tasman]]'s expedition sails around [[Farewell Spit]] and into [[Golden Bay]]. Dutch sailors sight local [[Māori]]. * [[December 19]]: Māori kill four of Tasman's crew and Tasman's ships depart without landing. The Dutch chart the west of the [[North Island]]. ===Eighteenth century=== ;[[1700]]-[[1730]] * [[Ngāi Tahu]] migrate from [[Wellington]] to the [[South Island]], as far south as [[Banks Peninsula]]. ;[[1769]] * [[October 8]]: English explorer [[James Cook]] makes his first visit to New Zealand. * Cook maps the majority of the New Zealand coastline. * French trader [[Jean-François-Marie de Surville|Jean de Surville]] explores parts of the New Zealand coast. ;[[1772]] * April: Expedition of French explorer [[Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne]] visits [[Northland Region|Northland]] ;[[1773]] * April: Cook's second expedition arrives in [[Queen Charlotte Sound]] * [[December 18]]: [[Māori]] kill and eat nine members of Cook's expedition at Grass Cove in Queen Charlotte Sound. ;[[1777]] * Cook returns to New Zealand aboard the ''Resolution'', accompanied by the ''Discovery'' captained by [[Charles Clerke]].<ref name=shorthistory>McLauchlan, Gordon ''A Short History of New Zealand'' Penguin Group, 2005.</ref> ;[[1788]] * [[New South Wales]] founded, which according to Governor [[Arthur Phillip|Phillip]]'s Commission included the islands of New Zealand. ;[[1790]] * An epidemic of ''rewha-rewha'' (possibly [[influenza]]) kills 60% of the Māori population in the southern North Island.<ref name=shorthistory /> ;[[1791]] * [[November 29]]: [[Chatham Islands]] sighted by HMS Chatham commanded by [[William Robert Broughton|William Broughton]]. ;[[1792]] * Group of [[Pinniped|sealers]] from the Britannia landed in [[Dusky Sound]]. ;[[1793]] * Dusky Sound sealers picked up. * Two day expedition led by Spanish explorer [[Alessandro Malaspina]] charts [[Doubtful Sound]]<ref name=shorthistory /> * ''La Recherche'' and ''L'Espérance'', captained by [[Bruni d'Entrecasteaux]] and [[Jean-Michel Huon de Kermadec]] sight New Zealand and the [[Kermadec Islands]]. ===1800s=== <!-- ;[[1805]] --> ;[[1806]] * First [[Pākehā]] women arrive in New Zealand. ;[[1807]] or [[1808]] * Ngapuhi fight Ngāti Whātua, Te-Uri-o-Hau and Te Roroa [[iwi]] at the battle of [[Moremonui]] on the west coast of Northland, the first battle in which Maori used muskets. ;[[1809]] * Ngati Uru attack and burn the ship ''[[Boyd Massacre|Boyd]]'', killing all but four of its crew and passengers. The whaling fleet wrongly blames the massacre on Te Puna chief Te Pahi and retaliates against him. ===1810s=== ;[[1814]] * [[December 22]]: British [[missionary]] [[Samuel Marsden]], of the (Anglican) Church Missionary Society, arrives at Rangihoua at Oihi Bay in the [[Bay of Islands]] to establish the country's first mission station. Sheep, cattle, horses and poultry are introduced. * [[Christmas Day]]: Rev Marsden preached the first [[Christian]] service in the country, at Rangihoua. ;[[1815]] * February: [[Thomas Holloway King]] is the first [[Pākehā]] child born in New Zealand, at Rangihoua. * ;[[1819]] * Raids on [[Taranaki]] and [[Te Whanganui-a-tara]] regions by [[Ngapuhi]] and [[Ngati Toa]] people led by chiefs [[Patuone]], [[Nene]], [[Moetara]], [[Tuwhare]], and [[Te Rauparaha]]. * [[August 17]]: the country's second mission station is established, at [[Kerikeri]], when Rev Marsden, John Butler, Francis Hall and William Hall mark out the site which was previously visited by Marsden in 1815. *[[September 25]]: Rev Marsden plants 100 vines, the first grapes grown in New Zealand. * [[November 4]]: Chiefs [[Hongi Hika]] and [[Kerikeri#Rewa's Village|Rewa]] sell 13,000 acres (5260 hectares) at Kerikeri to the Church Missionary Society for 48 felling axes. ===1820s=== ;[[1820]] * [[Hongi Hika]], [[Ngapuhi]] chief, visits England, meets [[George IV of the United Kingdom|King George IV]] and secures supply of [[musket]]s. ;[[1821]] * [[Musket Wars]] begin with raids by Hongi Hika and [[Te Morenga]] on southern iwi and continue throughout the decade. ;[[1822]] * [[Ngati Toa]] begin migration south to [[Cook Strait]] region, led by Te Rauparaha. ;[[1823]] * Jurisdiction of [[New South Wales]] courts is extended to British citizens in New Zealand. * [[Wesleyan Missionary Society]] mission established. * First [[Church of England]] marriage between Philip Tapsell and Māori girl, Maria Ringa. ;[[1824]] * [[Te Heke Niho-puta]] migration of Taranaki iwi to the [[Kapiti Coast]]. * [[Rawiri Taiwhanga]] in [[Bay of Islands]] sells [[dairy]] produce and other food supplies to visiting ships. ;[[1827]] * [[Te Rauparaha]]'s invasion of the [[South Island]] from [[Kapiti]] begins. ===1830s=== ;[[1831]] * Whaling stations established at [[Tory Channel]] and [[Preservation Inlet]]. ;[[1832]] *[[April 19]]: stonemason William Parrott begins work on the missionaries' [[Kerikeri#Stone Store|Stone Store]] at [[Kerikeri]]. * [[James Busby]] appointed British Resident. ;[[1833]] * May: James Busby arrives at the [[Bay of Islands]]. ;[[1834]] * March: [[United Tribes of New Zealand]] flag adopted by some 25 northern chiefs at Busby's suggestion. ;[[1835]] * October: ''[[Declaration of Independence of New Zealand]]'' by the "Confederation of United Tribes" signed by 34 northern chiefs (and later by another 18). ;[[1837]] * New Zealand Association formed in London, becoming the New Zealand Colonisation Society in [[1838]] and the [[New Zealand Company]] in [[1839]], under the inspiration of [[Edward Gibbon Wakefield]]. ;[[1838]] * [[Jean Baptiste Pompallier|Bishop Pompallier]] founds [[Roman Catholic]] Mission at [[Hokianga]]. ;[[1839]] * [[William Hobson]] instructed to establish British rule in New Zealand, as a dependency of New South Wales. * Colonel [[William Wakefield]] of the New Zealand Company arrives on the [[Tory (ship)|Tory]] to purchase land for a settlement. == Colony and self-government (1840 to 1946) == ===1840s=== ;[[1840]] * [[January 29]]: Hobson arrives in the Bay of Islands. * New Zealand Company settlers arrive at [[Te Whanganui a Tara]] which became [[Port Nicholson]], site of [[Wellington]]. * [[February 6]]: [[Hone Heke]] is the first to sign the [[Treaty of Waitangi]] at Bay of Islands. * [[May 21]]: Hobson proclaims British sovereignty over New Zealand. * May: First capital established at [[Okiato]], which was renamed Russell. * August: French colony established in [[Akaroa]]. * Hobson becomes first Governor and sets up executive and legislative councils. ;[[1841]] * European settlements established at [[New Plymouth]] and [[Wanganui]]. * February: Capital shifted from Russell ([[Okiato]]) to [[Auckland]]. * [[3 May]]: New Zealand proclaimed a colony independent of [[New South Wales]]. ;[[1842]] * Main body of settlers arrive at [[Nelson, New Zealand|Nelson]]. * [[September 10]]: [[William Hobson]] dies. ;[[1843]] * Twenty-two European settlers and four Māori killed at the [[Wairau Affray|confrontation]] at [[Tuamarina]], near the [[Wairau]], in [[Marlborough]]. * [[Robert FitzRoy]] becomes Governor. ;[[1844]] * [[Hone Heke]] begins the "War in the North". * New Zealand Company suspends its colonising operations due to financial difficulties. ;[[1845]] * [[George Edward Grey|George Grey]] becomes Governor. ;[[1846]] * War in the north ends with capture of [[Ruapekapeka]]. * First [[New Zealand Constitution Act]] passed. * [[Charles Heaphy]], [[William Fox (New Zealand)|William Fox]], and [[Thomas Brunner]] begin exploring the [[West Coast, New Zealand|West Coast]]. * First steam vessel, HMS "Driver", arrives in New Zealand waters. ;[[1848]] * Settlement of [[Dunedin]] founded by [[Scotland|Scottish]] [[Otago]] Association. * Provinces of [[New Ulster]] and [[New Munster]] set up under 1846 Act. * [[Coal]] discovered at [[Brunner, New Zealand|Brunner]] on the West Coast. * [[Earthquake]] centred in Marlborough damages most [[Wellington]] buildings. ===1850s=== ;[[1850]] * [[Canterbury, New Zealand|Canterbury]] settlement founded. ;[[1852]] * Second [[New Zealand Constitution Act 1852|New Zealand Constitution Act]] passed creating General Assembly and six [[Provinces of New Zealand|provinces]] with representative government. ;[[1853]] * Idea of a [[Māori King]] canvassed by [[Tamihana Te Rauparaha]] and [[Matene Te Whiwhi]]. * About 100 Māori - mostly chiefs - enrolled to vote in the forthcoming election<ref name=maori_vote>{{cite web |url=http://www.elections.org.nz/democracy/history/maori-vote.html |title=Māori and the Vote |accessmonthday=May 18|accessyear=2008 |publisher=[[Elections New Zealand]] }}</ref>. * [[July 4]]&ndash;[[October 1]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1853]] ;[[1854]] * [[1st New Zealand Parliament|First session of the General Assembly]] opens in Auckland. ;[[1855]] * Governor [[Thomas Gore Browne]], appointed in [[1854]], arrives. * Severe earthquake on both sides of Cook Strait. Wellington's [[Basin Reserve]] is raised, dashing plans to use it for boats. * Adhesive, perforated postage stamps on sale. * [[October 28]]&ndash;[[December 28]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1855]]. ;[[1856]] * [[Henry Sewell]] forms first ministry under responsible government and becomes first [[Premier]]. * [[Edward Stafford]] forms first stable ministry. ;[[1858]] * New Provinces Act passed. * [[Pōtatau te Wherowhero|Te Wherowhero]] installed as first [[Māori King]], taking name Pōtatau I. ;[[1859]] * First session of [[Hawke's Bay (region)|Hawke's Bay]] and Marlborough provincial councils. * [[Gold]] discovered in [[Buller River]]. * [[New Zealand Insurance Company]] established. ===1860s=== ;[[1860]] * Waitara dispute develops into [[First Taranaki War]]. * [[December 12]]&ndash;[[March 28]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1860-1861]]. ;[[1861]] * [[George Grey]] becomes governor for the second time. * May [[Gabriel Read]] discovers gold in [[Gabriel's Gully]] near [[Lawrence, New Zealand|Lawrence]]; [[Central Otago Gold Rush]] begins. * First session of [[Southland Province|Southland]] provincial council. * [[Bank of New Zealand]] incorporated at Auckland. ;[[1862]] * First electric telegraph line opens from Christchurch to [[Lyttelton, New Zealand|Lyttelton]]. * First gold shipment from Dunedin to London. ;[[1863]] * War resumes in [[Second Taranaki War|Taranaki]] and begins in [[Invasion of Waikato|Waikato]] when General Cameron crosses the Mangatawhiri stream. * New Zealand Settlements Act passed to effect land confiscation. * First steam railway in New Zealand, the [[Ferrymead Railway]] opened. * [[February 7]]: [[HMS Orpheus (1861)|HMS ''Orpheus'']] sinks in [[Manukau Harbour]], killing 189 people. ;[[1864]] * [[Invasion of Waikato|War in the Waikato]] ends with battle of [[Orakau]]. * Land in Waikato, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, and Hawke's Bay confiscated. * Gold discovered in Marlborough and Westland. * Arthur, George, and [[Edward Dobson]] are the first Pākehā to cross what becomes known as [[Arthur's Pass]]. ;[[1865]] * Capital and seat of government transferred from Auckland to Wellington * Native Land Court established. * Māori resistance continues. * Auckland streets lit by gas for first time. ;[[1866]] * [[Cook Strait]] submarine telegraph cable laid. * Christchurch to [[Hokitika]] road opens. * Cobb and Co. coaches run from Canterbury to the West Coast. * The Presbytery of Otago separates into three presbyteries and becomes the [[Synod of Otago and Southland]]. * January&ndash;February: Trevor Chute leads raids against Maro in Taranaki * [[February 12]]&ndash;[[April 6]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1866]]. ;[[1867]] * [[Thames, New Zealand|Thames]] goldfield opens; soon the town has more people than [[Auckland]]. * Four [[Māori seats]] established in Parliament. All Māori men over 21 obtained [[suffrage]] (allowed to stand for parliament and vote<ref name=maori_vote />). * [[Lyttelton rail tunnel|Lyttelton railway tunnel]] completed. * Armed constabulary established. ;[[1868]] * Māori resistance continues through campaigns of [[Te Kooti]] Arikirangi and Titokowaru. * New Zealand's first sheep breed, the [[Corriedale]], is developed. ;[[1869]] * [[Thomas Burns (New Zealand)|Thomas Burns]] founds New Zealand's first university, the [[University of Otago]], in Dunedin. ===1870s=== ;[[1870]] * The last imperial forces leave New Zealand. * [[Julius Vogel]]'s public works and immigration policy begins, along with [[Rail transport in New Zealand|national railway]] construction programme; over 1,000 miles constructed by 1879. * [[University of New Zealand]] created by the New Zealand University Act, establishing a federal university based on the [[University of London]], which lasts until 1961. * First rugby match. * Auckland to [[San Francisco]] mail service begins. ;[[1871]] * Deer freed in Otago. * [[January 14]]&ndash;[[February 23]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1871]]. ;[[1872]] * [[Te Kooti]] retreats to the King Country and Māori armed resistance ceases. * Telegraph communication links Auckland, Wellington and southern provinces. ;[[1873]] * New Zealand Shipping Company established. ;[[1874]] * First New Zealand steam engine built at Invercargill. ;[[1875]] * [[December 20]]&ndash;[[January 29]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1875-1876]]. ;[[1876]] * Abolition of the provinces and establishment of local government by counties and boroughs. * New Zealand-Australia telegraph cable established. ;[[1877]] * Education Act passed, establishing national system of primary education, "free, secular, and compulsory". ;[[1878]] * Completion of [[Main South Line]] railway linking Christchurch, Dunedin, and [[Invercargill]]. ;[[1879]] * Triennial Parliaments Act passed. [[Manhood suffrage]] is extended to non-Māori when the vote is given to <b>every</b> male aged 21 and over<ref name=maori_vote />. * [[Kaitangata, New Zealand|Kaitangata]] mine explosion, 34 people die. * Annual property tax introduced. * ''Kangaroo'' lays the first Telegraph cable across [[Cook Strait]]. * [[August 28]]&ndash;[[September 15]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1879]]. ===1880s=== ;[[1881]] * [[Parihaka]] community forcibly broken up by troops. Te Whiti, Tohu Kakahi and followers arrested and imprisoned. * Wreck of SS "Tararua", 131 people die. * Auckland and Christchurch telephone exchanges open. * [[December 9]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1881]]. ;[[1882]] * First shipment of frozen meat leaves Port Chalmers for England on the "Dunedin". ;[[1883]] * [[Te Kooti]] pardoned, Te Whiti and other prisoners released. * Direct steamer link established between New Zealand and Britain. ;[[1884]] * King [[Tawhiao]] visits England with petition to the Queen, appealing to the Treaty of Waitangi, and is refused access. * First overseas tour by a New Zealand rugby team, to New South Wales. * Construction of [[King Country]] section of North Island main trunk railway begins. * [[June 22]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1884]]. ;[[1886]] * [[Mount Tarawera]] erupts and the [[Pink and White Terraces]] are destroyed, 153 people die. * Oil is discovered in [[Taranaki]]. ;[[1887]] * New Zealand's first national park, [[Tongariro National Park]], is presented to the nation by Te Heuheu Tukino IV. * First inland parcel post service. * [[September 26]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1887]]. ;[[1888]] * August 12, Reefton becomes first town in Southern Hemisphere to have a public supply of electricity ;[[1889]] * Abolition of non-residential or property [[History of voting in New Zealand|qualification to vote]]. * First New Zealand-built locomotive completed at [[Addington Workshops]]. ===1890s=== ;[[1890]] * Maritime Strike involves 8000 unionists. * "Sweating" Commission reports on employment conditions. * [[December 5]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1890]], the first election on a one-man one-vote basis ;[[1891]] * [[John McKenzie (New Zealand)|John McKenzie]] introduces the first of a series of measures to promote closer land settlement. * [[John Ballance]] becomes Premier of [[First Liberal Government of New Zealand|first Liberal Government]]. ;[[1892]] * First Kotahitanga Māori Parliament meets. ;[[1893]] * [[April 27]]: [[John Ballance]] dies * John Ballance succeeded as premier by [[Richard Seddon]]. * [[September 19]]: All women given the right to vote, New Zealand becomes first country to grant [[Women's suffrage in New Zealand|universal suffrage]] and [[Plural voting]] abolished<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.elections.org.nz/democracy/key-dates-electoral-reform.html |title=Key dates in New Zealand electoral reform |accessmonthday=May 18 |accessyear=2008 |publisher=[[Elections New Zealand]] }}</ref>. * Liquor licensing poll introduced. * [[Elizabeth Yates (mayor)|Elizabeth Yates]], [[Onehunga]], becomes first woman mayor in British Empire. * Banknotes become legal tender. * [[November 28]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1893]]. ;[[1894]] * Compulsory arbitration of industrial disputes and reform of employment laws. * Advances to Settlers Act. * Clark, Fyfe and Graham become the first people to climb Mt Cook. * Wreck of SS "Wairarapa". ;[[1896]] * National Council of Women is founded. * Brunner Mine explosion, 67 people killed. * Census measures national population as 743,214. * [[13 October]]: First public screening of a [[Cinema of New Zealand|motion picture]] in New Zealand * [[December 4]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1896]]. ;[[1897]] * First of series of colonial and later imperial conferences held in London. * [[Apirana Ngata]] and others form Te Aute College Students' Association. [http://www.stats.govt.nz/quick-facts/people/history-1850-1899.htm] ;[[1898]] * Old Age Pensions Act. * First cars imported to New Zealand. ;[[1899]] * New Zealand army contingent is sent to the South African war. * First celebration of Labour Day. * [[December 6]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1899]]. ===1900s=== ;[[1900 in New Zealand|1900]] * Māori Councils Act passed. * Public Health Act passed setting up Department of Public Health in 1901. ;[[1901 in New Zealand|1901]] * [[Cook Islands|Cook]] and other Pacific Islands annexed. * Penny postage first used. * Union of the [[Synod of Otago and Southland]] with the Northern Presbyterian Church to form the [[Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand]]. ;[[1902 in New Zealand|1902]] * Pacific telegraph cable begins operating between New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. * Wreck of trans-tasman steamer [[SS Elingamite|SS ''Elingamite'']]. * [[November 25]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1902]]. ;[[1903 in New Zealand|1903]] ;[[1904 in New Zealand|1904]] * [[Richard Pearse]] achieves semi-controlled flight near [[Timaru]]. ;[[1905 in New Zealand|1905]] * New Zealand rugby team tours England and becomes known as the [[All Blacks]]. * Old Age Pension increases to £26 per year; however, eligibility tightened. * [[December 6]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1905]]. ;[[1906 in New Zealand|1906]] * [[June 10]]: [[Richard Seddon]] dies and is succeeded by [[Joseph Ward]] as Premier. ;[[1907 in New Zealand|1907]] * July: Resolution passed to constitute New Zealand as a Dominion. * Fire destroys Parliament buildings. * [[Tohunga Suppression Act]] passed * [[September 26]]: [[Dominion of New Zealand]] declared. ;[[1908 in New Zealand|1908]] * Auckland to Wellington [[North Island Main Trunk Railway|main trunk railway line]] opens. * First New Zealanders compete at the [[Olympics]] as part of [[Australasia at the 1908 Summer Olympics|Australasian]] team. * [[Harry Kerr]] is the first New Zealander to win an Olympic medal (a bronze in the [[Athletics at the 1908 Summer Olympics - Men's 3500 metre walk|Men's 3500 metre walk]]). * [[Blackball, New Zealand|Blackball]] coal miner strike lasts 11 weeks . * [[Ernest Rutherford, 1st Baron Rutherford of Nelson|Ernest Rutherford]] is awarded the [[Nobel Prize]] in Chemistry. * New Zealand's population reaches one million. * [[November 17]],[[November 24]] and [[1 December]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1908]]. ;[[1909 in New Zealand|1909]] * "Red" Federation of Labour formed. * SS ''Penguin'' wrecked in Cook Strait, 75 people die. * Compulsory military training introduced. * Stamp&ndash;vending machine invented and manufactured in New Zealand. ===1910s=== ;[[1910 in New Zealand|1910]] * [[Halley's Comet]] sighted in New Zealand. ;[[1911 in New Zealand|1911]] * [[December 7]],[[December 14]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1911]]. ;[[1912 in New Zealand|1912]] * [[William Massey]] wins vote in the House and becomes Prime Minister; [[Reform Government of New Zealand|Reform Government]] formed. * [[Waihi miners' strike]]. * [[Malcolm Champion]] becomes first New Zealander to win an Olympic Gold Medal. ;[[1913 in New Zealand|1913]] * Waterfront strikes in Auckland and Wellington. ;[[1914 in New Zealand|1914]] * [[World War I]] begins and German [[Samoa]] is occupied. * [[New Zealand Expeditionary Force]] is despatched to [[Egypt]]. * [[Huntly, New Zealand|Huntly]] coal mine disaster, 43 people die. * [[August 15]]: Troops depart for [[Samoa]]. * [[August 29]]: New Zealand troops land unopposed in [[Apia]]. * October: 8427 troops leave New Zealand for Europe. * [[December 10]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1914]]. ;[[1915 in New Zealand|1915]] * New Zealand forces take part in [[Gallipoli]] campaign. * Reform and Liberal parties form National War Cabinet. * Britain announces its intention to purchase all New Zealand meat exports during war. * [[April 25]]: First landings at [[Landing at Anzac Cove|Gaba Tepe]] and [[Landing at Cape Helles|Cape Helles]] on the [[Gallipoli]] Peninsula. * [[April 27]]: Counterattack launched by Turkish forces under the command of [[Mustafa Kemal]]. * [[December 20]]: Final withdraw of all troops from [[Anzac Cove]]. ;[[1916 in New Zealand|1916]] * New Zealand troops transfer from Western Front. * [[Conscription]] introduced. * [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour Party]] formed. * [[Lake Coleridge]] electricity supply scheme opened. * [[June 10]]: Passing of the Military Services Bill introduces conscription. * July: Battle of Romani defaults Turkish force advancing towards the [[Suez Canal]]. ;[[1917 in New Zealand|1917]] * [[Battle of Passchendaele]], 3,700 New Zealanders killed. * Six o'clock public house closing introduced. * [[Lord Liverpool]] becomes first Governor-General. ;[[1918 in New Zealand|1918]] * New Zealand Division in the [[Battle of the Somme]]. * End of World War I. * [[Spanish flu|Influenza epidemic]] in which an estimated 8,500 die. * Creation of power boards for electricity distribution. * [[Prohibition]] petition with 242,001 signatures presented to Parliament. ;[[1919 in New Zealand|1919]] * Women eligible for election to Parliament. * Massey signs [[Treaty of Versailles]]. * First official airmail flight from Auckland to [[Dargaville]]. * [[December 17]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1919]]. ===1920s=== ;[[1920 in New Zealand|1920]] * [[Anzac Day]] established. * New Zealand gets [[League of Nations]] mandate to govern [[Western Samoa]]. * First aeroplane flight across Cook Strait. * New Zealand sents first team to Olympic Games (previously they have competed as part of [[Australasian]] team). * [[Clarence Hadfield D'Arcy]] wins first Olympic medal for New Zealand. ;[[1921 in New Zealand|1921]] * [[New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy]] established. ;[[1922 in New Zealand|1922]] * Meat Producers' Board placed in control of meat exports. * [[December 7]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1922]]. ;[[1923 in New Zealand|1923]] * Otira tunnel opens. [[Ross Dependency]] proclaimed. ;[[1924 in New Zealand|1924]] * [[All Black]] 'Invincibles' tour of Britain and France. ;[[1925 in New Zealand|1925]] * [[November 4]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1925|General election]] won by the Reform party under [[Gordon Coates]]. ;[[1926 in New Zealand|1926]] * National public broadcasting begins under auspices of Radio Broadcasting Co. Ltd. ;[[1927 in New Zealand|1927]] ;[[1928 in New Zealand|1928]] * New Zealand Summer Time introduced. * [[Charles Kingsford Smith]] completes first flight across [[Tasman Sea]]. * [[December 14]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1928|General election]] won by new [[New Zealand Liberal Party|United Party]]. * [[Ted Morgan (boxer)|Ted Morgan]] wins first Olympic Gold Medal for New Zealand. ;[[1929 in New Zealand|1929]] * Economic depression worsens. * Severe earthquake in [[Murchison]] - [[Karamea]] district, 17 people die. * First health stamps issued. ===1930s=== ;[[1930 in New Zealand|1930]] * Unemployment Board set up to provide relief work. ;[[1931 in New Zealand|1931]] * [[Napier earthquake]], 256 die. * Substantial percentage reductions in public service wages and salaries. * [[Airmail]] postage stamps introduced. * [[December 2]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1931|General election]] won by newly formed Coalition Government under [[George William Forbes|George Forbes]]. ;[[1932 in New Zealand|1932]] * Compulsory arbitration of industrial disputes abolished. * Unemployed riots in Auckland, Dunedin and Christchurch. * Reductions in old-age and other pensions. * Distinctive New Zealand coins first issued, see [[New Zealand pound]]. ;[[1933 in New Zealand|1933]] * [[September 9]]: [[Elizabeth McCombs]] becomes first woman MP. ;[[1934 in New Zealand|1934]] * Reserve Bank and Mortgage Corporation established. * First trans-Tasman airmail. ;[[1935 in New Zealand|1935]] * Air services begin across Cook Strait. * [[November 24]]: [[New Zealand Post Office]] jams 1ZB radio broadcast by [[Colin Scrimgeour]] (Uncle Scrim). * [[November 27]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1935|General election:]] [[First Labour Government of New Zealand|First Labour Government]] elected under [[Michael Joseph Savage]]. ;[[1936 in New Zealand|1936]] * [[Reserve Bank of New Zealand|Reserve Bank]] taken over by state. * State housing programme launched. * Guaranteed prices for dairy products introduced. * [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] formed from former Coalition MPs. * Inter-island trunk air services introduced. * [[Jack Lovelock]] wins Olympic gold and sets world record for [[1500m]]. * [[Jean Batten]]'s record flight from England. * Working week reduced from 44 to 40 hours. ;[[1937 in New Zealand|1937]] * April: Federation of Labour unifies trade union movement. * [[RNZAF]] set up as separate branch of armed forces. * March: Free Milk in schools introduced. ;[[1938 in New Zealand|1938]] * Social Security Act establishes revised pensions structure and the basis of a national health service. * Import and exchange controls are introduced. * [[October 15]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1938|General election]], Labour re-elected. ;[[1939 in New Zealand|1939]] * Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force formed. * Bulk purchases of farm products by Great Britain. * [[September 3]]: War declared on Germany * [[September 7]]: First New Zealander (An officer flying with the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]]) taken [[prisoner of war]]. * [[September 12]]: Enlistment in the 2nd [[New Zealand Expeditionary Force]] begins. * [[October 4]]: Government announces the formation of a [[Māori Battalion]] for 2 NZEF * [[November 23]]: [[Bernard Freyberg]] is appointed to commander of 2 NZEF * [[December 13]]: [[HMNZS Achilles (70)|HMNZS Achilles]] takes part in The [[Battle of the River Plate]]. ===1940 to 1946=== ;[[1940 in New Zealand|1940]] * [[January 5]]: First Echelon of the [[2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force|2NZEF]] leaves New Zealand for the Middle East. * [[February 12]]: The main body of the First Echelon of the 2NZEF, arrives at [[Maadi]] Camp in [[Egypt]]. * [[March 27]]: Prime Minister [[Michael Joseph Savage]] dies * [[April 1]]: [[Peter Fraser]] becomes Prime Minister. * [[April 1]]: Formation of [[No. 75 Squadron RNZAF|No. 75 (NZ) Squadron]] of the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] * [[June 11]]: New Zealand declares war on [[Italy]]. * [[June 19]]: ''[[RMS Niagara]]'' hits a mine off [[Bream Head]], [[Northland Region|Northland]] * [[August 2]]: [[Home Guard]] established. * [[August 20]]: German raider Orion sinks the steamer Turakina off [[Cape Egmont]]. * October: [[Stanley Graham]] kills 7 in shooting spree near [[Hokitika]] * [[25 November]]: Steamer Holmwood sunk by German raiders off the [[Chatham Islands]]. * [[27 November]]: Rangitane sunk by German raiders 480km from [[East Cape]] * [[8 December]]: New Zealand steamer Komata sunk by German raiders off [[Nauru]] * [[Sidney Holland]] becomes Leader of Opposition. * Conscription for military service. * German mines laid across [[Hauraki Gulf]]. ;[[1941 in New Zealand|1941]] * [[20 May]] - [[1 June]]: New Zealand forces suffer heavy losses in the [[Battle of Crete]]. * [[8 December]]: New Zealand declares war on [[Japan]] following the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]]. * Māori War Effort Organisation set up. * Pharmaceutical and general practitioner medical benefits introduced. ;[[1942 in New Zealand|1942]] * Economic stabilisation. * New Zealand troops in [[Battle of El Alamein]]. * Food rationing introduced. * Mobilisation of women for essential work. * [[June 12]]: First 5 ships of American troops from the 37th US Army Division land in Auckland. * [[June 14]]: First American [[US Marine Corps|Marines]] from the 1st Corps Division land in Wellington. ;[[1943 in New Zealand|1943]] * New Zealand troops take part in invasion of [[Military history of New Zealand during World War II|Italy]]. * February: Mutiny by [[Japanese people|Japanese]] [[prisoner of war|prisoners of war]] at [[Featherston prisoner of war camp]] camp results in 48 Japanese dead, 61 wounded, plus one dead and 11 injured guards. * [[April 3]]: [[Battle of Manners Street]] between American and New Zealand servicemen * [[June 20]]: Several Marines drown during landing exercises at [[Paekakariki]]. * [[August 28]]: [[Eleanor Roosevelt]] arrives in New Zealand for visit. * [[September 3]]: Eleanor Roosevelt flies out from Auckland. * [[September 25]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1943|General election]], Labour re-elected. ;[[1944 in New Zealand|1944]] * Australia-New Zealand Agreement provides for co-operation in the South Pacific. ;[[1945 in New Zealand|1945]] * New Zealand signs [[United Nations]] charter. * Māori Social and Economic Advancement Act passed. * [[National Airways Corporation]] founded. ;[[1946 in New Zealand|1946]] * Family benefit of £1 per week becomes universal. * [[Bank of New Zealand]] nationalised. * [[November 24]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1946]]. == Full independence (1947 to 1983) == ===1947 to 1949=== ;[[1947 in New Zealand|1947]] * [[Statute of Westminster 1931|Statute of Westminster]] adopted by [[New Zealand Parliament]]. * First public performance by National Orchestra. * [[Mabel Howard]] becomes first woman cabinet minister. * [[Ballantyne's store disaster|Fire in Ballantyne's department store]], Christchurch, 41 people die. ;[[1948 in New Zealand|1948]] * Protest campaign against exclusion of Māori players from rugby tour of South Africa. * [[Polio]] epidemic closes schools. * [[Mount Ruapehu]] and [[Mount Ngauruhoe]] erupt. * Meat rationing ends. ;[[1949 in New Zealand|1949]] * Referendum agrees to compulsory military training. * New Zealand gets first four navy frigates. * [[November 30]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1949|General election:]] National Government elected. ===1950s=== ;[[1950 in New Zealand|1950]] * Naval and ground forces sent to [[Korean War]]. * [[New Zealand Legislative Council]] abolished. * [[New Zealand wool boom|Wool boom]]. ;[[1951 in New Zealand|1951]] * Prolonged [[1951 New Zealand waterfront dispute|waterfront dispute]], state of emergency proclaimed. * [[ANZUS]] treaty signed between United States, Australia and New Zealand. * Māori Women's Welfare League established. * [[December 27]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1951]] ;[[1952 in New Zealand|1952]] * Population reaches over two million. ;[[1953 in New Zealand|1953]] * First tour by a reigning monarch. * [[Edmund Hillary]] and Sherpa [[Tenzing Norgay]] first to climb Mount Everest. * Railway [[Tangiwai disaster|disaster at Tangiwai]], 151 people die. ;[[1954 in New Zealand|1954]] * New Zealand signs South East Asia Collective Defence Treaty. * Gains seat on [[United Nations Security Council]]. * [[September 20]]: in midst of [[moral panic]], the [[Mazengarb Report]] is presented. * [[November 13]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1954]]. * Social Credit gets 10 percent of vote in general election, but no seats in Parliament. ;[[1955 in New Zealand|1955]] * Pulp and paper mill opens at Kawerau. * Rimutaka rail tunnel opened. ;[[1956 in New Zealand|1956]] * New Zealand troops sent to [[Federation of Malaya|Malaya]]. * [[Roxburgh Dam|Roxburgh]] and Whakamaru power stations in operation. ;[[1957 in New Zealand|1957]] * [[February 17]]: Last hanging, of [[Walter James Bolton]]. * [[Scott Base]] established in [[Ross Dependency]]. * Court of Appeal constituted. * Dairy products gain 10 years of unrestricted access to Britain. * [[November 30]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1957|General election]], National loses election, [[Walter Nash]] leads [[Second Labour Government of New Zealand|Second Labour Government]]. ;[[1958 in New Zealand|1958]] * PAYE tax introduced. * [[Arnold Nordmeyer]]'s "[[Black Budget (New Zealand)|Black Budget]]". * First geothermal electricity generated at Wairakei. * First [[heart-lung machine]] used at Greenlane Hospital, Auckland. ;[[1959 in New Zealand|1959]] * [[Antarctic Treaty]] signed with other countries involved in scientific exploration in Antarctica. * [[Auckland Harbour Bridge]] opened. ===1960s=== ;[[1960 in New Zealand|1960]] * Regular television programmes begin in Auckland. * Government Service Equal Pay Act passed. * [[November 26]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1960|General election]], [[Second National Government of New Zealand|National Government]] elected. ;[[1961 in New Zealand|1961]] * New Zealand joins the [[International Monetary Fund]]. * [[Capital punishment in New Zealand|Capital punishment]] abolished.[http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/C/CapitalPunishment/CapitalPunishment/en] ;[[1962 in New Zealand|1962]] * New Zealand troops sent to [[Malaysia]] during [[Indonesian Confrontation|confrontation]] with [[Indonesia]]. * [[Western Samoa]] becomes independent. * Sir [[Guy Powles]] becomes first [[Ombudsman]]. * New Zealand Māori Council established. * Cook Strait [[rail ferry]] service begins. * Taranaki gas well opens. ;[[1963 in New Zealand|1963]] * [[November 30]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1963]]. ;[[1964 in New Zealand|1964]] * [[Marsden Point]] oil refinery opens at [[Whangarei]]. * Cook Strait power cables laid. * Auckland's population reaches half a million. ;[[1965 in New Zealand|1965]] * [[New Zealand Australia Free Trade Agreement|NAFTA]] agreement negotiated with Australia. * Support for United States in [[Vietnam War|Vietnam]]; New Zealand combat force sent, protest movement begins. * [[Cook Islands]] becomes self-governing. ;[[1966 in New Zealand|1966]] * [[Auckland International Airport|International airport]] officially opens at Auckland. * New Zealand labour force reaches one million. * National Library of New Zealand created. * [[Te Atairangi Kaahu]] becomes first Māori Queen. * [[November 26]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1966]]. ;[[1967 in New Zealand|1967]] * Referendum extends hotel closing hours to 10pm. * [[10 July]]: [[Decimal currency]] introduced, see [[New Zealand Dollar]]. * Lord [[Arthur Porritt]] becomes first New Zealand-born Governor-General. * Breath and blood tests introduced for suspected drinking drivers. * [[Denny Hulme]] becomes New Zealand's first (and currently only) Formula 1 World Champion. ;[[1968 in New Zealand|1968]] * Inter-island ferry [[Wahine disaster|Wahine]] sinks in severe storm in Wellington Harbour, 51 people die. * Three die in [[Inangahua Junction|Inangahua]] earthquake. ;[[1969 in New Zealand|1969]] * Vote extended to 20-year-olds. * First output from [[Glenbrook, New Zealand|Glenbrook]] [[New Zealand Steel|Steel Mill]]. * [[November 29]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1969|General election]], National wins fourth election in a row. ===1970s=== ;[[1970 in New Zealand|1970]] * [[Natural gas]] from [[Kapuni]] supplied to Auckland. ;[[1971 in New Zealand|1971]] * New Zealand secures continued access of butter and cheese to the United Kingdom. * [[Nga Tamatoa]] protest at Waitangi celebrations. * [[Tiwai Point]] [[aluminium]] [[smelter]] begins operating. * [[Warkworth, New Zealand|Warkworth]] satellite station begins operation. ;[[1972 in New Zealand|1972]] *[[Values Party]] is formed. * Equal Pay Act passed. * [[November 25]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1972|General election]], [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour]] Government led by [[Norman Kirk]] elected. ;[[1973 in New Zealand|1973]] * Naval frigate despatched in protest against French nuclear testing in the Pacific. * New Zealand's population reaches three million. * Oil price hike means worst terms of trade in 30 years. * Colour TV introduced. ;[[1974 in New Zealand|1974]] * [[August 31]]: Prime Minister [[Norman Kirk]] dies. * [[Commonwealth Games]] [[1974 British Commonwealth Games|held in Christchurch]]. ;[[1975 in New Zealand|1975]] * [[January 4]]: [[Lynne Cox]] became the first woman to swim across [[Cook Strait]]. * [[September 14]]: [[Māori land march]] protesting at land loss leaves [[Te Hapua]] * [[October 13]]: Māori land march reaches Parliament building in Wellinton, [[Whina Cooper]] presents a ''Memorial of Rights'' to the Prime Minister [[Bill Rowling]] and Māori Affairs Minister [[Matiu Rata]]. * The [[Waitangi Tribunal]] is established. * Second TV channel starts broadcasting. * [[November 29]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1975]]. [[Robert Muldoon]] becomes Prime Minister after National Party victory. * [[1975 in New Zealand television]] ;[[1976 in New Zealand|1976]] * New Zealand's national day [[February 6]] renamed from '''New Zealand Day'' to ''Waitangi Day'' * Matrimonial Property Act passed. * Pacific Islands "overstayers" deported. * EEC import quotas for New Zealand butter set until 1980. * Introduction of [[metric system]] of weights and measures. * Subscriber toll dialling introduced. * [[1976 in New Zealand television]] ;[[1977 in New Zealand|1977]] * National Superannuation scheme begins. * New Zealand signs the [[Gleneagles Agreement]]. * The 200 nautical mile (370 km) [[exclusive economic zone]] (EEZ) is established. * [[January 5]]: [[Bastion Point]] occupied by protesters. ;[[1978 in New Zealand|1978]] * Registered unemployed reaches 25,000. *[[New Zealand Film Commission]] established. * [[February 12]]: 17 arrested after protestors led by [[Eva Rickard]] set up camp on the [[Raglan]] golf course. * [[May 25]]: Army and Police remove protesters from [[Bastion Point]], 218 arrests are made. * [[November 25]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1978|General election]], National re-elected. ;[[1979 in New Zealand|1979]] * [[Air New Zealand Flight 901]] crashes on [[Mount Erebus]], [[Antarctica]], 257 people die. * [[Carless days]] introduced to reduce petrol consumption. * [[November 7]]: MP [[Matiu Rata]] resigns from the [[New Zealand Labour Party|Labour Party]] to join [[Mana Motuhake]] Party. * [[Nambassa]] 3 day music and alternatives festival held in [[Waihi]]. Largest event of its kind in New Zealand and the world. ===1980s=== ;[[1980 in New Zealand|1980]] * [[Social Credit Party (New Zealand)|Social Credit]] wins East Coast Bays by-election. * Saturday trading partially legalised. * Eighty-day strike at [[Kinleith Mill]]. ;[[1981 in New Zealand|1981]] * [[1981 Springbok Tour|South African rugby team's tour]] brings widespread disruption. * [[November 28]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1981]]. ;[[1982 in New Zealand|1982]] * [[Closer Economic Relations|CER]] agreement signed with Australia. * First [[köhanga reo]] established. * Year-long wage, price and rent freeze imposed lasts until 1984. ;[[1983 in New Zealand|1983]] * Visit by nuclear-powered United States Navy frigate "Texas" sparks protests. * [[Official Information Act 1982|Official Information Act]] replaces [[Official Secrecy Act]]. * [[New Zealand Party]] founded. == Restructuring (1984 to date) == ===1984 to 1989=== ;[[1984 in New Zealand|1984]] * Te Hikoi ki Waitangi march and disruption of Waitangi Day celebrations. * Auckland's population exceeds that of the South Island. * [[July 14]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1984]] won by Labour under [[David Lange]]. * [[New Zealand constitutional crisis, 1984|Constitutional crisis]] follows general election; outgoing Prime Minister [[Robert Muldoon]] refuses to implement advice of Prime Minister elect David Lange. * Government devalues New Zealand dollar by 20 percent. * [[July 26]]: [[David Lange]] becomes New Zealand's 32nd Prime Minister; [[Fourth Labour Government of New Zealand|Fourth Labour government]] formed. * Finance Minister [[Roger Douglas]] begins deregulating the economy. * New Zealand ratifies the United Nations [[Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women]]. ;[[1985 in New Zealand|1985]] * Anti-nuclear policy leads to refusal of a visit by the American warship, the USS ''Buchanan''. * [[July 10]]: [[Greenpeace]] vessel ''[[Rainbow Warrior (1978)|Rainbow Warrior]]'' [[sinking of the Rainbow Warrior|bombed and sunk]] by French [[DGSE]] agents in Auckland harbour. * New Zealand dollar floated. * First case of locally-contracted [[AIDS]] is reported. * Waitangi Tribunal given power to hear grievances arising since 1840. * [[November 20]] Archbiship [[Paul Reeves]] appointed Governor General. ;[[1986 in New Zealand|1986]] * [[Homosexual Law Reform Act 1986]] passed. * [[Royal Commission on the Electoral System|Royal Commission]] reports in favour of an MMP (Mixed Member Proportional) electoral system. * [[Jim Bolger]] becomes National Party leader. * Soviet cruise ship, the ''[[Mikhail Lermontov (ship)|Mikhail Lermontov]]'', sinks in [[Marlborough Sounds]]. * [[Goods and Services Tax (New Zealand)|Goods and Services Tax]] introduced. * First visit to New Zealand by the [[Pope]]. * The [[Constitution Act 1986|Constitution Act]] ends the right of the [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|British Parliament]] to pass laws for New Zealand. ;[[1987 in New Zealand|1987]] * Share prices plummet by 59 percent in four months. * Māori Language Act making Māori an official language passed. * Anti-nuclear legislation enacted. * First [[New Zealand Lotteries Commission|Lotto]] draw. * New Zealand's first heart transplant is performed. * New Zealand wins [[Rugby World Cup]]. * Significant earthquake in the [[Bay of Plenty]]. * [[August 15]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1987|General election]], Labour re-elected. ;[[1988 in New Zealand|1988]] * Number of unemployed exceeds 100,000. * [[Bastion Point]] land returned to Māori ownership. * Combined Council of Trade Unions formed. Royal Commission on Social Policy issues April Report. * Gibbs Report on hospital services and Picot Report on education published. * State Sector Act passed. * [[Cyclone Bola]] strikes northern North Island. * Electrification of the central section of the [[North Island Main Trunk Railway]] completed. * [[New Zealand Post]] closes 432 post offices. * Fisheries quota package announced for Māori iwi. ;[[1989 in New Zealand|1989]] * Prime Minister [[David Lange]] suggests formal withdrawal from ANZUS. * [[Jim Anderton]] founds [[NewLabour Party (New Zealand)|NewLabour Party]]. * Lange resigns and [[Geoffrey Palmer (politician)|Geoffrey Palmer]] becomes Prime Minister. * First annual balance of payments surplus since 1973. * Reserve Bank Act sets bank's role as one of maintaining price stability. * First school board elections under Tomorrow's Schools reforms. * First elections under revised local government structure. * Sunday trading begins. * Third TV channel begins. * Māori Fisheries Act passed. ===1990s=== ;[[1990 in New Zealand|1990]] * New Zealand celebrates its sesquicentennial. * Māori leaders inaugurate National Congress of Tribes. * Dame [[Catherine Tizard]] becomes first woman Governor-General. * [[Geoffrey Palmer (politician)|Geoffrey Palmer]] resigns as Prime Minister and is replaced by [[Mike Moore]]. * One and two cent coins are no longer legal tender. * Commonwealth Games [[1990 Commonwealth Games|held in Auckland]]. * [[Telecom New Zealand|Telecom]] sold for $4.25 billion. * Pay Television Network [[SKY Network Television|Sky TV]] began broadcasting. * Welfare payments cut. * Big earthquake in Hawke's Bay. * [[October 27]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1990]]: National Party has landslide victory. [[Jim Bolger]] becomes Prime Minister. ;[[1991 in New Zealand|1991]] * The [[Resource Management Act 1991]] is enacted, rewriting planning law.<ref>(July 1991) 51b Hansard, Resource Management Bill Third Reading, 3018-3020.</ref> * First budget of new Finance Minister, [[Ruth Richardson]]. Welfare payments further reduced. * The [[Alliance (New Zealand political party)|Alliance party]] is formed. * [[Employment Contracts Act]] passed. * Consumers Price Index has lowest quarterly increase for 25 years. * Number of unemployed exceeds 200,000 for the first time. * New Zealand troops join multi-national force in the [[Gulf War]]. * An avalanche on [[Aoraki/Mount Cook]] reduces its height by 10.5 metres. ;[[1992 in New Zealand|1992]] * Government and Māori interests negotiate Sealord fisheries deal. * Public health system reforms. * State housing commercialised. * New Zealand gets seat on [[United Nations Security Council]]. * Student Loan system is started / Tertiary Fees raised ;[[1993 in New Zealand|1993]] * Centennial of women's suffrage celebrated. * [[New Zealand First Party]] launched by [[Winston Peters]]. * [[November 6]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1993|General election]] won by National, without obtaining a majority. * Referendum favours [[Mixed Member Proportional|MMP]] [[electoral system]]. * Opposition MP [[Peter Tapsell (New Zealand)|Peter Tapsell]] becomes [[Speaker of the House]], thus giving the government a majority. ;[[1994 in New Zealand|1994]] * Government commits 250 soldiers to front-line duty in [[Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bosnia]]. * Government proposes $1 billion cap in plan for final settlement of [[Treaty of Waitangi]] claims. * Sharemarket reaches highest level since 1987 crash. * New Zealand's first casino opens in Christchurch. *[[David Bain]] is convicted of murdering five members of his family. * First fast-ferry service begins operation across Cook Strait. ;[[1995 in New Zealand|1995]] * Team New Zealand wins [[America's Cup]]. * Occupation of [[Moutoa Gardens]], [[Wanganui]]. * Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act passed. * New political parties form: the [[New Zealand Conservative Party|Conservatives]], [[Christian Heritage New Zealand|Christian Heritage]] and [[United New Zealand]]. * Renewal of French nuclear tests results in New Zealand protest flotilla and navy ship "Tui" sailing for [[Moruroa]] Atoll. * Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Auckland, [[Nelson Mandela]] visits. * New Zealand contingent returns from Bosnia. ;[[1996 in New Zealand|1996]] * Imported pests Mediterranean fruit flies and white-spotted tussock moths cause disruption to export trade and to Aucklanders. * [[Kahurangi National Park]], the 13th [[National parks of New Zealand|National Park]], is opened in north-west [[Nelson, New Zealand|Nelson]]. * Waitangi Tribunal recommends generous settlement of Taranaki land claims. * First legal sports betting at TAB. * The commercial radio stations and networks owned by [[Radio New Zealand]] are sold to [[Clear Channel]] creating [[The Radio Network]]. * $170 million Ngai Tahu settlement proposed, $40 million Whakatohea settlement announced. * [[October 12]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1996|First MMP election]] brings National/New Zealand First coalition government. ;[[1997 in New Zealand|1997]] * America's Cup damaged in attack by a Māori activist. * TV4 begins daily broadcasts. * Customs Service cracks down on imported Japanese used cars following claims of odometer fraud. * Auckland's [[Sky Tower]] is opened. * Compulsory superannuation is rejected by a margin of more than nine to one in New Zealand's first postal referendum. * Jim Bolger resigns as Prime Minister after losing support of the National Party caucus, and is replaced by New Zealand's first woman Prime Minister, [[Jenny Shipley]]. ;[[1998 in New Zealand|1998]] * Auckland city businesses hit by a [[1998 Auckland power crisis|power cut]] lasting several weeks. The crisis of over a month results in an inquiry into Mercury Energy. * The women's rugby team, the [[Black Ferns]], become the world champions. * Interest rates and the New Zealand dollar both take a slide, leaving NZ$1 below the US50c mark for the first time in 12 years. * The National - New Zealand First coalition Government is dissolved leaving the Jenny Shipley led National Party as a minority government. * Several cases of tuberculosis discovered in South Auckland in the worst outbreak for a decade. * The [[Hikoi of Hope]] marches to Parliament, calling for more support for the poor. * The government announces plans to lease 28 new fighter aircraft but says no to a new naval frigate. * Road toll 514 ;[[1999 in New Zealand|1999]] * [[November 27]]: [[New Zealand general election, 1999]]. [[Helen Clark]]'s [[Fifth Labour Government of New Zealand|Fifth Labour Government]] is sworn in. * Road toll 508 ===2000s=== ;[[2000 in New Zealand|2000]] * January: The name suppression of American [[billionaire]] [[Peter Lewis]], who was arrested and convicted of drug possession charges, causes controversy. ;[[2001 in New Zealand|2001]] * Interest accrual is removed from student loans while studying. Students who accrued interest prior to 2001 are still required to pay. ;[[2002 in New Zealand|2002]] * [[30 June]]: The population of [[Canterbury, New Zealand|Canterbury]] reaches half a million. * [[27 July]]: [[New Zealand general election, 2002|2002 general election]], Labour returned for a second term; National records worst result since 1930s. ;[[2003 in New Zealand|2003]] * Population of New Zealand exceeds 4 million. * Appeals to the [[Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]] abolished; [[Supreme Court of New Zealand]] established. ;[[2004 in New Zealand|2004]] * [[New Zealand foreshore and seabed controversy|Foreshore and Seabed Act]] passed. * [[Māori Party]] formed. *[[Māori Television Tahi|Maori TV]] begins broadcasting ;[[2005 in New Zealand|2005]] * [[17 September]]: [[New Zealand general election, 2005|2005 general election]], Labour-led government returned for a third term with a narrow margin. ;[[2006 in New Zealand|2006]] * Labour enacts its election promise to remove interest on [[Student loan|loans]] to students living in New Zealand. * Five cent coins are dropped from circulation and existing 10 cent, 20 cent and 50 cent coins are replaced with smaller coins. * [[11 October]]: $11.5 Billion dollar government surplus announced by Minister of Finance Dr [[Michael Cullen]]. * [[South Island]] population Reaches 1 Million ;[[2007 in New Zealand|2007]] * Last Privy Council appeal results in [[David Bain]]'s convictions for the murder of his family being quashed; re-trail ordered by the [[Solicitor-General of New Zealand]]. * [[KiwiSaver]] retirement savings scheme introduced. * The [[New Zealand Dollar]] briefly exceeds 80 cents against the [[US Dollar]]. ;[[2008 in New Zealand|2008]] * [[1 January]]:[[Electoral Finance Act]] enacted. * [[11 January]]: mountaineer [[Edmund Hillary|Sir Edmund Hillary]] dies. * [[New Zealand general election, 2008|2008 general election]] to be held before [[15 November]]. Note: Population figures sourced from [[Statistics New Zealand]] == References == <references/> == See also == *[[Timeline of environmental history of New Zealand]] == External links == *[http://timelines.ws/countries/NEWZEALAND.HTML Timeline] *[http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/calendar Today in New Zealand History calendar] <br/>{{New Zealand topics}} <!--Categories--> [[Category:History of New Zealand]] [[Category:National timelines|New Zealand]]