The estimated population of New Zealand at the end of 1854 is 60,650 Māori and 32,554 non-Māori.
Regal and viceregal
Head of State – Queen VictoriaGovernor – Sir George Grey resigns on 6 January. Colonel Thomas Gore Browne is appointed later in the year, but does not arrive to take up his position until 6 September 1855.Government and law
After New Zealand’s first general election, held on 1 October 1853 the 1st Parliament opens on 24 May.
There is neither an official Prime Minister/Premier/Colonial Secretary or Finance Minister/Colonial Secretary in the government at this point in time. (see 1st New Zealand Parliament)
Speaker of the House — When the 1st Parliament opens on 24 May Sir Charles Clifford is unanimously elected as New Zealand’s first Speaker of the House.Chief Justice — William Martin4 May: The Māori language magazine, The Maori Messenger or Ko te Karere Maori, which started in 1849, stops publishing. In 1855 it will be revived with a different Māori title.June: The Canterbury Standard begins publication. The Christchurch newspaper continues until 1866.2 December — The Canterbury Jockey Club is formed, the first club of its kind in New Zealand. It holds its first meeting, at Riccarton Racecourse, in 1855.15 February: Peter Webb, rugby union player8 April: George Carter, rugby union player11 May: Westby Perceval, politician (in Tasmania)12 December: Alfred Brandon, Mayor of Wellington.April: Robert Fyffe, whaler and runholder5 May: Te Ruki Kawiti, tribal leader23 June: John Deans, Christchurch pioneer19 October: Joseph Zillwood, policeman, farmer and innkeeperTe Aitu-o-te-rangi Jury, tribal founding mother, landowner and farmerNgātata-i-te-rangi, tribal leader