1882 in New Zealand

The following lists events that happened during 1882 in New Zealand.
One of New Zealand's major industries – export meat – is initiated when the shipping of frozen meat to Britain proves successful.

Incumbents

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.

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

Events

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.

Sport

Cricket

1882–83 New Zealand cricket season

Horse racing

New Zealand Cup winner: Welcome Jack
New Zealand Derby winner: Cheviot
Auckland Cup winner: Welcome Jack
Wellington Cup winner: Hilda

Rugby union

The first overseas rugby team visits New Zealand. The Southern Rugby Union from New South Wales wins four of its seven matches.
Provincial club rugby champions include:

Shooting

Ballinger Belt: Corporal Hutchison

Births

2 January: Jessie Isabel Hetherington, headmistress, lecturer and school inspector
27 February: A. N. Field, white supremacist
1 June: Jim Thorn, labour leader and politician
24 June: Jim Barclay, politician
8 August: Alfred Shout, Victoria Cross recipient
16 September : Freda du Faur, mountaineer.

Unknown date

Bernard Martin, politician

Deaths

1 April: James Kelham, politician.
2 October: Francis Gledhill, politician.
James O'Neill, politician.