1889 in New Zealand


The following lists events that happened during 1889 in New Zealand.

Incumbents

Regal and viceregal

Government and law

The 10th New Zealand Parliament continues.

Parliamentary opposition

Leader of the Opposition – John Ballance. This is the first year in which there is a recognised opposition leader.

Main centre leaders

Events

  • 21 January – American "Professor" Baldwin makes the first balloon ascent in New Zealand at Dunedin.
  • 2 December – The S.S. Alice, the first mechanically powered vessel on the Rotorua Lakes, is launched.

Arts and literature

Reputedly the first science fiction novel written by a New Zealander, Anno Domini 2000, or, Woman's Destiny by former premier Julius Vogel is published.

Sport

National Champions, Men

  • 100 yards – T. Lewis
  • 250 yards – H. Reeves
  • 440 yards – H. Reeves
  • 880 yards – P. Cox
  • 1 mile – F. Ellis
  • 120 yards hurdles – Harold Batger
  • Long jump – Leonard Cuff
  • High jump – '''T. McNaught'''

Chess

National Champion: Arthur Ollivier, of Christchurch

Horse racing

Major race winners

  • New Zealand Cup – Tirailleur
  • New Zealand Derby – Scots Grey
  • Auckland Cup – Leopold
  • Wellington Cup – Dudu

Lawn bowls

National Champions

  • Singles – H. Toomer
  • Fours – M. Elliott, P. Dow, W. Allnutt and W. Carlton

Polo

The Christchurch Polo Club is formed.

Rowing">Rowing New Zealand">Rowing

Coxless pairs and Double sculls are held at the championships for the first time.

National Champions (Men)

  • Single sculls – T. McKay
  • Double sculls – Wellington
  • Coxless pairs – Wellington
  • Coxed fours – Wellington

Rugby union

Provincial club rugby champions include:

Shooting

Ballinger Belt – Sergeant Parslow

Tennis

After this year the mixed doubles championship are not held again held until 1900.

New Zealand championships

Births

Deaths