1886 in New Zealand

The following lists events that happened during 1886 in New Zealand.

Incumbents

Regal and viceregal

Government and law

The 9th New Zealand Parliament continues.

Speaker of the House – Maurice O'Rorke.
Premier – Robert Stout
Minister of Finance – Julius Vogel
Chief Justice – Hon Sir James Prendergast

Main centre leaders

Mayor of Auckland – William Waddel followed by Albert Devore
Mayor of Christchurch – Charles Hulbert followed by Aaron Ayers
Mayor of Dunedin – John Barnes followed by Richard Henry Leary
Mayor of Wellington – Arthur Winton Brown

Events

11 April: Sinking of the steamer Taiaroa near the mouth of the Waiau Toa / Clarence River with the loss of 34 lives.
10 June: Eruption of Mount Tarawera volcano results in the deaths of ~150 people and the destruction of the famous Pink and White Terraces, an error corrected by 2017 research disclosing the locations of the Pink and White Terraces around today's lake.
1 September: Police Force Act comes into effect, splitting the New Zealand Police Force from the standing army.

Sport

Cricket

The first recorded game of Women's cricket in New Zealand takes place in the Nelson district.

Horse Racing

Major race winners

New Zealand Cup – Spade Guinea
New Zealand Derby – Disowned
Auckland Cup – Nelson
Wellington Cup – Nelson

Lawn bowls

The New Zealand Bowling Association is formed with twelve clubs. Only two clubs are from the North Island which will eventually lead to the events of 1891. A national championships is held but the winners are not recorded.

Rugby union

The Wairarapa and Manawatu unions are formed.
Provincial club rugby champions include:

Shooting

Ballinger Belt – Sergeant Remington

Tennis

A national tennis association is convened in Hastings. The first national championships take place later in the 1886–87 season.

Births

4 January: Vincent Ward, politician.
8 June : John Weeks, painter.
5 August:Charles Boswell, politician.
6 August Alice May Palmer, public servant and union official
13 December Charles Moore Bowden, politician

Deaths

15 June: Robert Gillies, politician
29 July: James Paterson, politician
21 September: John Bathgate, politician
27 December: William Crompton, politician.