Regal and viceregal
Head of State — Queen Victoria
Governor — The term of The Marquess of Normanby ends on 21 February. Sir Hercules Robinson takes up the appointment on 27 March.
Government and law
The general election is held between 15 August and 1 September. The 7th New Zealand Parliament commences.
Speaker of the House — Maurice O'Rorke becomes Speaker when his predecessor, Sir William Fitzherbert, is appointed to the Legislative Council.
Premier — John Hall replaces Sir George Grey on 8 October.
Minister of Finance — John Hall replaces Sir George Grey on 8 October. Grey had taken up the post on 10 July after John Ballance had resigned on 1 July.
Chief Justice — Hon Sir James Prendergast
Voting rights are extended to all males.
The term of parliament is reduced from five years to three years.
Main centre leaders
Mayor of Auckland — Thomas Peacock
Mayor of Christchurch — Henry Thomson followed by Charles Thomas Ick
Mayor of Dunedin — Henry John Walter
Mayor of Wellington — Joseph Dransfield followed by George Allen followed by William Hutchison
21 February: An explosion in the coal mine at Kaitangata kills 34 men.
30 March: The Ross Guardian ceases publication. It began in 1866.
The first New Zealand Chess Championship is held and was won by H. Hookham (Christchurch)
New Zealand Cup — Chancellor
New Zealand Derby — Hornby
Auckland Cup — Ariel
Wellington Cup — Maritana
The first annual competition between clubs from different centres begins between Christchurch and Dunedin clubs.
26 July: The first union in New Zealand, Canterbury Rugby Football Union, is formed at Timaru, incorporating Christchurch, Christ's College, Temuka, North Canterbury, Eastern, South Canterbury, Ashburton, and Southbridge rugby clubs.
20 October: The Wellington Rugby Football Union is formed, initially consisting of the Wellington and Athletic clubs.
Ballinger Belt — Corporal W. Ballinger (Wellington)
30 August (in London): Maud Ruby "Daisy" Basham, radio personality.
Miriam Cummings (later Miriam Soljak), activist.
2 February (in England): General Sir Thomas Pratt, commander British forces in NZ 1860–61.
24 April – John Munro, politician (d. 1798/99)
14 July: Thomas Outhwaite, first registrar of the Supreme Court.
