17 September: Anne-Maree Ellens was murdered in Christchurch. Michael October (he later changed his name to Mikaere Oketopa) was later convicted of murdering her. The Criminal Cases Review Commission sent the case back to the Court of Appeal of New Zealand in 2023 for it to be reconsidered over "strong concerns with the police investigation, and his convictions".[3]
4 March: Australian police drama Blue Heelers comes to New Zealand when the series begins screening on TV One.
4 April: US children's television series Barney & Friends first airs on TV2.
27 April: US science fiction drama The X-Files makes its New Zealand television debut on TV2.
19 July: Australian children's cartoon series The Adventures of Blinky Bill begins airing on TV2 in New Zealand (the same country where the author of the books Dorothy Wall was born).
4 September: British children's animation based on the books by Sarah FergusonBudgie the Little Helicopter appears on New Zealand television screens for the very first time on TV3. It was also the very first British cartoon to air on TV3 as well as making the New Zealand the very first country outside of the UK to broadcast it.
8 September: Acclaimed British children's television series Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends screens on TV2 as a stand alone for the very last time.
The Classic Hits brand is rolled out nationwide when heritage stations operated by Radio New Zealand are rebranded as Classic Hits originally retaining local programming.
Paul Smith wins his first national title in the men's marathon, clocking 2:19:12 on 30 April in Rotorua, while Nyla Carroll claims her first in the women's championship (2:37:37).
Gold
Silver
Bronze