1940 in New Zealand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The following lists events that happened during 1940 in New Zealand.
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Population
Incumbents
Regal and viceregal
Government
The 26th New Zealand Parliament continued with the Labour Party in government.
Parliamentary opposition
- Leader of the Opposition – Adam Hamilton (National Party) until 26 November, then Sidney Holland (National).[3]
Main centre leaders
Events
- 25 March: John A. Lee is expelled from the governing Labour caucus following his outspoken criticism of dying leader Michael Joseph Savage
- 27 March: New Zealand's first Labour Prime Minister, Michael Joseph Savage dies from cancer in Wellington.
- 19 June: The liner RMS Niagara is sunk by a mine laid by the German auxiliary cruiser Orion off Whangarei. She was carrying British gold destined for America.
- 12 July: Pan American Airways flying boat service from Hawaii to Auckland via Canton Island (not Kingman Reef) commences.
- 14 December: The Canterbury Pioneer Women's Memorial was formally opened.
- German surface raiders operated in New Zealand waters in 1940 and 1941, sinking four ships.
Arts and literature
Sport
Chess
- The 49th National Chess Championship was held in Wellington, and was won by John Dunlop of Dunedin (his 6th and last title).[4]
Cricket
Horse racing
Harness racing
- New Zealand Trotting Cup – Marlene[5]
- Auckland Trotting Cup – Ned Worthy[6]
Lawn bowls
The national outdoor lawn bowls championships are held in Wellington.[7]
- Men's singles champion – G.A. Deare (Carlton Bowling Club)
- Men's pair champions – L.G. Donaldson, Bill Bremner (skip) (West End Bowling Club, Auckland)
- Men's fours champions – Bill Whittaker, J.W.T. Macklow, Alec Robertson, Frank Livingstone (skip) (Onehunga Bowling Club)
Soccer
- The Chatham Cup is won by Waterside who beat Mosgiel 6–2 in the final.[8]
- Provincial league champions:[9]
Births
- 12 January: Dick Motz, cricketer (d. 2007)
- 13 February: Stan Rodger, politician (d. 2022)
- 17 February: James Laurenson, actor (d. 2024)
- 23 March: Brian Hastings, cricketer (d. 2024)
- 14 April: Robin Tait, discus thrower (d. 1984)
- 7 June: Felicity Riddy, author and academic
- 9 June: Philip Trusttum, artist (d. 2026)
- 10 June (in the USA): Augie Auer, meteorologist (d. 2007)
- 23 June: Mike Shrimpton, cricketer (d. 2015)
- 1 July (in Australia): Judith Binney, historian (d. 2011)
- 8 July: Waka Nathan, rugby union player (d. 2021)
- 15 July: Ian Athfield, architect (d. 2015)
- 3 August: David Baragwanath, High Court judge.
- 11 August: Glenys Page, cricketer (d. 2012)
- 31 August: Maurice (John) Belgrave, public servant and chief ombudsman (d. 2007)
- 3 September: Brian Lochore, rugby player (d. 2019)
- 18 September
- Bruce Murray cricketer
- Jon Trimmer, ballet dancer.
- 24 September: Don Brash, Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, politician
- 6 October: Merv Wellington, politician (d. 2003)
- 24 October: Martin Campbell, film and TV director
- date unknown
- Robyn Donald, writer.
- Tessa Duder, writer.
- Joe Hawke, politician.
- Michael Jackson, poet, anthropologist
- Maurice McTigue, politician and diplomat.
Deaths
- 12 January: Taurekareka Henare, politician.
- 27 March: Michael Joseph Savage, Prime Minister.
- 28 May: Florence Young, missionary.
- 6 June: F.O. Edgar "Cobber" Kain, first RAF ace of WWII.
- 17 November: Frank Moore, political activist.
- Hannah Retter, New Zealand centenarian (born 1839)[10]
See also
- History of New Zealand
- List of years in New Zealand
- Military history of New Zealand
- Timeline of New Zealand history
- Timeline of New Zealand's links with Antarctica
- Timeline of the New Zealand environment
For world events and topics in 1940 not specifically related to New Zealand see: 1940
