Regal and viceregal
Head of State — Queen VictoriaGovernor — The Earl of OnslowGovernment and law
Following their victory in the 1890 election the Liberal Government forms the 11th New Zealand Parliament, taking office on 24 January. This is the first time a single political party forms a government in New Zealand.
The new Liberal Government restricts future terms of appointment to the Legislative Council to 7 years. Previous appointments have been for life.
Speaker of the House — William Steward becomes Speaker taking over from Maurice O'Rorke.Premier — John Ballance takes office on 24 January, replacing Harry Atkinson.Minister of Finance — John Ballance takes office on 24 January, replacing Harry Atkinson.Chief Justice — Hon Sir James PrendergastLeader of the Opposition — John Ballance (Liberal Party) until 23 June, then John Bryce (Independent) until 31 August, then William Rolleston (Independent).
Main centre leaders
Mayor of Auckland — John Upton followed by William CrowtherMayor of Christchurch — Samuel Manning followed by Charles GrayMayor of Dunedin — John Carroll followed by Charles Robert ChapmanMayor of Wellington — Arthur Winton Brown13 January — The first public phonograph performance in New Zealand is made at Christchurch.17 March — The S.S. Alice is the first mechanically powered vessel to pass through Ohau Channel and the first to operate on Lake Rotoiti. Among the passengers are Governor Onslow and Lady Onslow. (see also 1889)12 August Godfrey Shaw sets the first (unofficial) world record by a New Zealander. He runs 57.2 seconds for 440 yards hurdles at the Isle of Man.National Champions, Men The 440 yards hurdles is held for the first time.
100 yards — J. King (Wellington) Race won by W. Macpherson (Australia)250 yards — J. King (Wellington) Race won by W. Macpherson (Australia)440 yards — J. Hutchison (Auckland) Race won by W. Macpherson (Australia)880 yards — Derisley Wood (Canterbury)1 mile — Derisley Wood (Canterbury)3 miles — Derisley Wood (Canterbury)120 yards hurdles — Harold Batger (Wellington)440 yards hurdles — Harold Batger (Wellington)Long jump — T. Upfill (Auckland)High jump — tie J. Hume (Wellington) and E. Laurie (Auckland)Pole vault — T. Upfill (Auckland)Shot put — Timothy O’Connor (Auckland)National champion: R.J Barnes of Wellington
14 January: Bob Fitzsimmons wins the world middleweight boxing title by beating Jack (Nonpareil) Dempsey.Auckland Trotting Cup (over 3 miles) is won by Rarus New Zealand Cup — British LionNew Zealand Derby — FlorrieAuckland Cup — PinfireWellington Cup — CyniscaLeading flat jockey — G. ColleloDissatisfied with their remoteness from the national association the North Island clubs and those from Nelson form a separate Northern Bowling Association. National Champions
Singles — G. White (Milton)Fours — D. Campbell, W. Weir, D. Mackie and W. Carswell (skip) (Taieri)The New Zealand Polo Association is formed from clubs in Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Rangitikei, North Canterbury and Waikari.
Savile Cup winners — ChristchurchNational Champions (Men)
Single sculls — W. Bridson (Wellington)Double sculls — StarCoxless pairs — WellingtonCoxed fours — WellingtonProvincial club rugby champions include:
see also Category:Rugby union in New ZealandBallinger Belt — Private C. Kruse (Wanganui Rifles)Provincial Champions: — This is the first year any provincial championship is recorded. Auckland commenced in 1892.
Wellington: Petone WanderersNational champions (Men)
100 yards frestyle — H. Bailey (Auckland)440 yards frestyle — H. Bailey (Auckland)880 yards frestyle — H. Nicholson (Auckland)National championships
Men's singles — J. MarshallWomen's singles — J. ReesMen's doubles — R. Harman and F. WildingWomen's doubles — K. Hitchings and E. Gordon18 December: Tiaki Omana, politician, rugby union player.25 December: Clarrie Grimmett, Australian cricketer.