Regal and viceregal
Head of State — Queen Victoria
Governor — Sir George Grey is recalled by the British government and is replaced on 5 February by Sir George Ferguson Bowen.
Government and law
The 4th Parliament continues. The first four Māori MPs are elected in 1868.
Speaker of the House — Sir David Monro
Premier — Edward Stafford
Minister of Finance — William Fitzherbert
Chief Justice — Hon Sir George Arney
Main centre leaders
Mayor of Christchurch — William Wilson
Mayor of Dunedin — John Hyde Harris followed by Thomas Birch
1—6 February: The Great storm of 1868 sweeps across the country causing major damage and loss of life.
1 June: The New Zealand Advertiser, which had been absorbed into the New Zealand Times in 1867, is revived. It ceases publication for good in December.
Nelson Football Club founded.
2 November: New Zealand Mean Time adopted throughout the colony; New Zealand may be the first country to have adopted a standard time throughout the country.
Coromandel Gold Rush (1867-68)
The Basin Reserve is first used for cricket.
New Zealand Cup: Flying Jib
New Zealand Derby: Flying Jib
Ballinger Belt: Sergeant Taylor (Otago)
