One of New Zealand's major industries — export meat — is initiated when the shipping of frozen meat to Britain proves successful.
Regal and viceregal
Head of State — Queen Victoria
Governor — The term of The Hon. Sir Arthur Hamilton-Gordon ends on 24 June. His replacement does not take up his appointment until the following year. (see 1883)
Government and law
The 8th New Zealand Parliament continues.
Speaker of the House — Maurice O'Rorke.
Premier — John Hall resigns on 21 April. He is replaced by Frederick Whitaker who becomes Premier for the second time.
Minister of Finance — Harry Atkinson
Chief Justice — Hon Sir James Prendergast
Main centre leaders
Mayor of Auckland — James Clark
Mayor of Christchurch — James Gapes followed by George Ruddenklau
Mayor of Dunedin — James Gore followed by James Bryce Thomson
Mayor of Wellington — George Fisher
15 February: The Dunedin departs from Port Chalmers carrying the first shipment of frozen meat bound for Britain.
26 April – A telephone exchange is opened in Dunedin (the third in New Zealand).
1882–83 New Zealand cricket season
New Zealand Cup winner: Welcome Jack
New Zealand Derby winner: Cheviot
Auckland Cup winner: Welcome Jack
Wellington Cup winner: Hilda
see also Category:Horse races in New Zealand.
The first overseas rugby team visits New Zealand. The Southern Rugby Union from New South Wales wins four of its seven matches. (see also 1884)
Provincial club rugby champions include:
see also Category:Rugby union in New Zealand
Ballinger Belt: Corporal Hutchison (Dunedin)
16 September (in Australia): Freda du Faur, mountaineer.
A. N. Field, white supremacist
Bernard Martin, politician
Jim Thorn, labour leader and politician
