Regal and viceregal
Head of State — Queen Victoria
Governor — Sir George Ferguson Bowen
Government and law
The 5th New Zealand Parliament continues.
Speaker of the House — Sir Francis Dillon Bell
Premier — On 11 October George Waterhouse replaces Edward Stafford after the latter loses a vote of confidence. Stafford had only been in office for 1 month having taken over when William Fox was forced to resign on 10 September.
Minister of Finance — Julius Vogel loses his position on 10 September when the Fox ministry is forced to resign and is replaced by Thomas Gillies. Vogel regains the post on 11 October after he moves a vote of no confidence in the new ministry.
Chief Justice — Hon Sir George Arney
Main centre leaders
Mayor of Auckland — Philip Philips
Mayor of Christchurch — James Jameson followed by Henry Sawtell
Mayor of Dunedin — Henry Fish
Mayor of Wellington — Joseph Dransfield
2 May: The Waikato Times and Thames Valley Gazette begins publishing in Ngaruawahia. Initially it was produced three times a week. It moved to Hamilton in 1875 and became the Waikato Times. The paper, a daily since the late 19th century, continues to publish today.
4 September: The Bay of Plenty Times publishes its first issue. The Tauranga-based newspaper continues to publish today.
5 October: The Poverty Bay Standard begins publishing as a weekly newspaper in the Gisborne area. It increased its frequency over the next two years to become tri-weekly. It was later called the Gisborne Standard.
The first recorded amateur athletic meeting takes place, in Christchurch.
The first golf club in New Zealand is formed in Otago to play on a 9-hole course at Mornington, Dunedin.
New Zealand Cup winner — Detractor
New Zealand Derby winner — Culumny
The Dunedin Bowling and Quoiting Club opens its own green.
20 July: Wanganui Rugby Club founded.
Ballinger Belt — Captain Wales (Otago)
22 February: Frank Worsley, sea captain and explorer.
21 June: Winter Hall, silent movie actor.
18 November: Frederick Augustus Bennett, first Bishop of Aotearoa.
