1951 in New Zealand


The following lists events that happened during 1951 in New Zealand.
The year was dominated by the 1951 New Zealand waterfront dispute.
New Zealand entered a mutual defence pact with the United States and Australia – ANZUS.

Population

A New Zealand census was held in 1951.
  • Estimated population as of 31 December: 1,970,500.
  • Increase since 31 December 1950: 42,800.
  • Males per 100 females: 100.9.

Incumbents

Regal and viceregal

Government

The 29th New Zealand Parliament continued. In power was the National government under Sidney Holland. The general election saw the governing National Party re-elected with a twenty-seat margin, a substantial improvement on the twelve-seat margin it previously held.
The New Zealand Legislative Council voted itself out of existence, making New Zealand a unicameral democracy.

Parliamentary opposition

Main centre leaders

Events

Arts and literature

See 1951 in art, 1951 in literature, :Category:1951 books

Music

See: 1951 in music

Radio and television

See: Public broadcasting in New Zealand

Film

See: :Category:1951 film awards, 1951 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, :Category:1951 films

Sport

Athletics

  • George Bromley wins his fourth national title in the men's marathon, clocking 2:48:16 on 3 March in Wellington.

Chess

  • The 58th National Chess Championship was held in Christchurch, and was won by D.I. Lynch of Hastings.

Horse racing

Harness racing

Lawn bowls

The national outdoor lawn bowls championships are held in Wellington.
  • Men's singles champion – A. Graham
  • Men's pair champions – G.G. Littlejohn, A.J. Webster
  • Men's fours champions – A.J. Murdoch, H.L. Rule, A. Rivers, Pete Skoglund

Rugby league

Rugby union

Shooting

Soccer

Births

Deaths