The estimated population of New Zealand at the end of 1848 is 68,300 Māori and 17,166 non-Māori.
Regal and viceregal
Head of State – Queen VictoriaGovernor – Sir George GreyGovernment and law
Chief Justice — William MartinLieutenant Governor, New Munster — From 28 January, Edward John EyreLieutenant Governor, New Ulster — From 14 February, George Dean Pitt23 March: The founding of the city of Dunedin and Otago Province, with the arrival of the John Wickliffe, carrying Scottish settlers, at Port Chalmers.23 June: Government House, in Auckland is burned to the ground by a fire believed to have started in the butler's pantry. Most chattels and Government documents were saved.17 September — The first attempt at photography is made in New Zealand. Lieutenant-Governor Eyre is unsuccessful in his attempt to take a daguerreotype of Eliza Grey, wife of Governor Grey.13 December — Otago News begins publication. The newspaper publishes fortnightly until closing in 1850.Cricket is played on the present site of The Octagon, Dunedin. A team from Otago challenges Wellington to a match, but the challenge is not accepted. (see 1860 for the first inter-provincial game)
David Buick, politician.17 June: Joseph Burns, murdere19 September: William Wakefield, founder of Wellington22 September (in Berbice, British Guiana): Samuel Martin, land claimant, magistrate, journalist and writer