The jubilation over the end of World War I was overshadowed by the Spanish flu pandemic reaching New Zealand. In four months, it is estimated that over 8600 New Zealanders died of the disease and between one third and one half of the population were infected. The death rate for Māori was estimated at 42 per thousand (approx 2,160 deaths) compared to 5.6 per 1000 (6,400 deaths) for European New Zealanders.
Regal and viceregal
Head of State - George V
Governor-General - The Earl of Liverpool
The 19th New Zealand Parliament continued for a fourth year as a grand coalition led by the Reform Party.
Speaker of the House - Frederic Lang (Reform Party)
Prime Minister - William Massey (Reform Party)
Minister of Finance - Joseph Ward (Liberal Party)
Leader of the Opposition - Joseph Ward (Liberal Party) Ward retained that title even though he was part of the coalition government.
Main centre leaders
Mayor of Auckland – James Gunson
Mayor of Hamilton – John William Ellis then John Robert Fow
Mayor of Wellington – John Luke
Mayor of Christchurch – Henry Holland
Mayor of Dunedin – James John Clark
19-20 March: Raetihi Forest Fire kills 3 and destroys over 150 homes.
Early October: The first cases of Spanish flu are recorded in Auckland.
12 October: Troop ship R.M.S. Niagara returns, carrying a number of people ill with influenza. It is not quarantined. William Massey and Joseph Ward are aboard. Although later cited as the cause of the Spanish flu epidemic 6 persons had already died in the 3 days preceding its arrival.
December: The flu epidemic eases. Over 8600 have died including at least 1260 Māori.
Parliament moves into Parliament House although it is not yet completed.
Aviation Act 1918, to control aviation in New Zealand, is passed by Parliament.
Arts and literature
See 1918 in art, 1918 in literature, Category:1918 books
See: 1918 in music
See: Category:1918 film awards, 1918 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, Category:1918 films
The New Zealand Open championship was not held due to the war.
New Zealand Trotting Cup: Author Dillon
Auckland Trotting Cup: Harold Junior
The Ranfurly Shield (held by Wellington) is not contested as interprovincial matches are cancelled due to the war.
Provincial league champions:
Auckland: North Shore
Canterbury: Excelsior
Hawke's Bay: Waipukurau
Otago: Southern Dunedin
Southland: No competition
Wanganui: No competition
Wellington: Porirua
