NationalEstimated populations as at 30 June.
New Zealand total – 4,509,900North Island – 3,450,800South Island – 1,058,500Main urban areasFollowing the 2013 census, Statistics New Zealand added Blenheim to the list of main urban areas, increasing the total number to 17. Estimated populations as at 30 June.
Regal and vice-regal
Head of State – Elizabeth IIGovernor-General – The Rt Hon. Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO2014 is the third and last full year of the 50th Parliament, which first sat on 20 December 2011. The general election following the dissolution of parliament was held on 20 September 2014.
The Fifth National Government, first elected in 2008, continues.
Speaker of the House – David CarterPrime Minister – John KeyDeputy Prime Minister – Bill EnglishLeader of the House – Gerry BrownleeMinister of Finance – Bill EnglishMinister of Foreign Affairs – Murray McCullyLabour – David Cunliffe until 27 September, then from 18 November Andrew LittleGreen – Russel Norman and Metiria TureiNew Zealand First – Winston PetersMāori Party – Tariana Turia until 1 November then Marama Fox, and Te Ururoa FlavellMain centre leaders
Mayor of Auckland – Len BrownMayor of Tauranga – Stuart CrosbyMayor of Hamilton – Julie HardakerMayor of Wellington – Celia Wade-BrownMayor of Christchurch – Lianne DalzielMayor of Dunedin – Dave CullBenny Award presented by the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand to Tina Cross.
20 January – A 6.2 magnitude earthquake occurs near Eketahuna in the Manawatu-Wanganui region, causing moderate damage in Masterton and Palmerston North.7–16 April – Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge visit New Zealand on an official tour. It is Catherine and George's first visit to New Zealand.11–21 July – Severe flooding damages thousands of properties in the Northland and Auckland regions.13 August – Nicky Hager's book Dirty Politics: How attack politics is poisoning New Zealand’s political environment is published.1 September – A gunman shoots dead two people and injures a third at the Work and Income office in Ashburton. The town is locked down for seven hours while police search for and apprehend the suspected gunman.20 September – the 2014 general election is held.16 October – New Zealand is elected to the United Nations Security Council for two years (2015–16) on the first ballot18 November – Andrew Little replaces David Cunliffe as leader of the Labour Party in the 2014 leadership election.Holidays and observances
6 February – Waitangi Day25 April – Anzac Day2 June – Queen's Birthday Monday27 October – Labour DayNew Zealand's men's basketball team finished 15th at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World CupNew Zealand Secondary School Championships (Maadi Cup)Maadi Cup (boys U18 coxed eight) – Hamilton Boys' High SchoolLevin 75th Jubilee Cup (girls U18 coxed eight) – Waikato Diocesan SchoolStar Trophy (overall points) – Hamilton Boys' High SchoolRanfurly Shield – Hawke's Bay defeat Counties Manukau 27–21 to become the new holders of the shield.Ballinger Belt – Diane Collings (Te Puke) 