Regal and viceregal
Head of State — Queen Victoria
Governor — The Marquess of Normanby
Government and law
The 1875 general election, which started on 29 December, concludes on 4 January. The 6th New Zealand Parliament commences.
Premier Atkinson abolishes the New Zealand provincial system on 1 November.
Speaker of the House — Sir William Fitzherbet replaces Sir Francis Dillon Bell who did not stand for election at the end of 1875
Premier — Daniel Pollen dies in office on 15 February. Julius Vogel takes over until retiring on 1 September and is in turn replaced by Harry Atkinson.
Minister of Finance — Julius Vogel takes over as Treasurer (Minister of Finance) from Harry Atkinson when he becomes Premier on 15 February. When Vogel retires on 1 September Atkinson resumes the position.
Chief Justice — Hon Sir James Prendergast
Main centre leaders
Mayor of Auckland City — Benjamin Tonks followed by William Hurst
Mayor of Christchurch — Fred Hobbs
Mayor of Dunedin — Keith Ramsay followed by Henry John Walter
Mayor of Wellington — William Hutchison
18 February: The first trans-Tasman submarine communications cable is completed, allowing telegraph communications with the rest of the world.
4 April: Speight's is first brewed in Dunedin.
30 December: The Daily Southern Cross publishes its last issue, and merges with The New Zealand Herald. The Auckland-based newspaper began publishing as The Southern Cross in 1843.
The Otago Cricket Association is formed.
New Zealand Cup — Guy Fawkes
New Zealand Derby — Songster
Auckland Cup — Ariel
Wellington Cup — Korari
The first interclub competition in the country is held between the Dunedin and Fernhill clubs.
Rugby clubs were founded in Marton, Bulls, and Sanson, Oamaru, Hawera, Patea, Invercargill, Otautau, Riverton, Greytown, Masterton, Rangiora, Waimate, Kaiapoi and Te Awamutu.
A combined side from Canterbury toured Nelson, Wellington (at Lower Hutt), and Auckland (at Ellerslie)
Ballinger Belt — Private J. Willocks (Clutha)
24 February: Ernie Booth, rugby union player.
6 April: Harold Williams, linguist.