The estimated population of New Zealand at the end of 1843 is 75,400 Māori and 11,848 non-Māori.
Regal and viceregal
Head of State — Queen VictoriaGovernor — Captain Robert Fitzroy arrives to take up the position on 26 December replacing Captain William Hobson who died the previous year.Government and law
Chief Justice — William MartinMain centre leaders
Mayor of Wellington — George Hunter dies on 19 July. The runner-up in the election the previous year, William Guyton, is declared Mayor. News that the Borough of Wellington has been declared illegal by the British Government reaches Wellington in late September. The Borough is abolished as is the office of Mayor. (see also 1842, 1863 & 1870)22 April: The Southern Cross publishes its first issue. The Auckland-based newspaper publishes weekly, with a hiatus in 1845–1847, and from 1862 daily when it will also change its name to The Daily Southern Cross. It will eventually merge with The New Zealand Herald in 1876.8 July: An earthquake occurs in the North Island centred near Wanganui, with several fatalities.2 August: The New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser ceases publishing after one year.4 November: The Bay of Islands Advocate begins publishing. It runs for three months.(in Scotland): John Blair, Mayor of Wellington.(in Ireland): George Fisher, politician.17 June (Wairau Affray):William Patchett, early settlerArthur Wakefield, founder of Nelson19 July: George Hunter, first Mayor of Wellington (b. 1788)