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.

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. (see 1883)

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 (the third in New Zealand).

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


 * see also Category:Horse races in New Zealand.

Rugby union
The first overseas rugby team visits New Zealand. The Southern Rugby Union from New South Wales wins four of its seven matches. (see also 1884)

Provincial club rugby champions include:
 * see also Category:Rugby union in New Zealand

Shooting
Ballinger Belt: Corporal Hutchison (Dunedin)

Births

 * 2 January: Jessie Isabel Hetherington, headmistress, lecturer and school inspector (died 1971)
 * 27 February: A. N. Field, white supremacist (died 1963)
 * 1 June: Jim Thorn, labour leader and politician (died 1956)
 * 24 June: Jim Barclay, politician (died 1972)
 * 8 August: Alfred Shout, Victoria Cross recipient (died 1915)
 * 16 September (in Australia): Freda du Faur, mountaineer. (died 1935)

Unknown date

 * Bernard Martin, politician (died 1956)

Deaths

 * 1 April: James Kelham, politician.
 * 2 October: Francis Gledhill, politician (born 1803).
 * (in England, unknown date) James O'Neill, politician (born 1819).