World War I and New Zealand's participation in it dominate the year. Most notably, New Zealand troops take part in the landings at ANZAC cove, Gallipoli on 25 April, and the ensuing campaign.
The various political parties agree to form a wartime coalition in August, even though the Reform Party has an absolute majority in parliament.
Many sporting events are put on hold for the duration of the war, due to the number of men serving in the armed forces and the drive to conserve resources for the war effort.
Regal and viceregal
Head of State - George V
Governor - The Earl of Liverpool
The 19th New Zealand Parliament commenced, initially with the Reform Party in power, but in August a wartime coalition government was formed, with Liberal party leader Joseph Ward becoming finance minister.
Speaker of the House - Frederic Lang (Reform Party)
Prime Minister - William Massey (Reform Party)
Minister of Finance - James Allen until 12 August, then Joseph Ward
Leader of the Opposition - Joseph Ward (Liberal Party) Ward retained that title even though he became part of the coalition government.
Main centre leaders
Mayor of Auckland – James Parr then James Gunson
Mayor of Hamilton – Arthur Edward Manning then John Edwin Hammond
Mayor of Wellington – John Luke
Mayor of Christchurch – Henry Holland
Mayor of Dunedin – John Bradley Shacklock then James John Clark
1 January: First flight of the Walsh Brothers' Curtiss-type flying boat. The flight takes place at Bastion Point and it is the first such aircraft built and flown in the Southern Hemisphere.
14 February: The first contingent of 500 Māori soldiers sails for Egypt aboard SS Wairrimoo. Earlier policy had been against 'native peoples' fighting in a European war.
25 April: New Zealand troops participate in the landings at Gallipoli.
23 October: Sinking of SS Marquette with 32 New Zealand deaths; mainly nurses and medical staff
October: The New Zealand Flying School is started by the Walsh Brothers at Orakei. Its primary purpose is to train pilots for the Royal Flying Corps.
November: The New Zealand Flying School moves to Kohimarama.
20 December: The last New Zealand troops are evacuated from Gallipoli.
Undated
The Waikato Argus merges into the Waikato Times. The newspaper started in 1896.
Arts and literature
See 1915 in art, 1915 in literature, Category:1915 books
See: 1915 in music
See: Category:1915 film awards, 1915 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, Category:1915 films
The 28th National Chess Championship was held in Christchurch, and was won by Fedor Kelling of Wellington, his second title.
The New Zealand Open championship and National Amateur Championships were not held due to the war.
New Zealand Trotting Cup: Country Belle
Auckland Trotting Cup: Cathedral Chimes
The Ranfurly Shield (held by Wellington) is not contested as interprovincial matches are cancelled due to the war.
Provincial league champions:
Auckland: Brotherhood
Canterbury: Christchurch Club
Hawke's Bay: Waipukurau
Otago: HSOB
Southland: No competition
Wanganui: No competition
Wellington: Wellington Thistle
