The following lists events that happened during 2003 in New Zealand.

Population

* Estimated population as of 31 December: 4,061,600. * Increase since 31 December 2002: 72,000 (1.81%). * Males per 100 Females: 96.2.

Incumbents

Regal and viceregal

Head of State A head of state (or chief of state) is the public persona who officially embodies a state Foakes, pp. 110–11 " he head of statebeing an embodiment of the State itself or representatitve of its international persona." in its unity and l ...

–

Elizabeth II Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary; 21 April 1926 – 8 September 2022) was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during ...

Governor-General Governor-general (plural ''governors-general''), or governor general (plural ''governors general''), is the title of an office-holder. In the context of governors-general and former British colonies, governors-general are appointed as viceroy t ...

–

Dame Silvia Cartwright Dame Silvia Rose Cartwright (née Poulter; born 7 November 1943) is a New Zealand jurist who served as the 18th Governor-General of New Zealand, from 2001 to 2006. She was the second woman to hold the office, after Dame Catherine Tizard. Early ...

PCNZM, DBE, QSO

Government

The

47th New Zealand Parliament The 47th New Zealand Parliament was a term of the Parliament of New Zealand. Its composition was determined by the 2002 election, and it sat until 11 August 2005. The Labour Party and the Progressive Party, backed by United Future, commanded ...

continued. Government was a coalition between

Labour Labour or labor may refer to: * Childbirth, the delivery of a baby * Labour (human activity), or work ** Manual labour, physical work ** Wage labour, a socioeconomic relationship between a worker and an employer ** Organized labour and the labour ...

and the small

Progressive party Progressive Party may refer to: Active parties * Progressive Party, Brazil * Progressive Party (Chile) * Progressive Party of Working People, Cyprus * Dominica Progressive Party * Progressive Party (Iceland) * Progressive Party (Sardinia), Italy ...

with

United Future United Future New Zealand, usually known as United Future, was a centrist political party in New Zealand. The party was in government between 2005 and 2017, first alongside Labour (2005–2008) and then supporting National (2008–2017). Uni ...

supporting supply votes. *

Speaker of the House The speaker of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body, is its presiding officer, or the chair. The title was first used in 1377 in England. Usage The title was first recorded in 1377 to describe the role of Thomas de Hungerf ...

– Jonathan Hunt (Labour) *

Prime Minister A prime minister, premier or chief of cabinet is the head of the cabinet and the leader of the ministers in the executive branch of government, often in a parliamentary or semi-presidential system. Under those systems, a prime minister is not ...

–

Helen Clark Helen Elizabeth Clark (born 26 February 1950) is a New Zealand politician who served as the 37th prime minister of New Zealand from 1999 to 2008, and was the administrator of the United Nations Development Programme from 2009 to 2017. She was ...

(Labour) *

Deputy Prime Minister A deputy prime minister or vice prime minister is, in some countries, a government minister who can take the position of acting prime minister when the prime minister is temporarily absent. The position is often likened to that of a vice president, ...

– Michael Cullen (Labour) *

Minister of Finance A finance minister is an executive or cabinet position in charge of one or more of government finances, economic policy and financial regulation. A finance minister's portfolio has a large variety of names around the world, such as "treasury", " ...

– Michael Cullen (Labour) *

Minister of Foreign Affairs A foreign affairs minister or minister of foreign affairs (less commonly minister for foreign affairs) is generally a cabinet minister in charge of a state's foreign policy and relations. The formal title of the top official varies between cou ...

–

Phil Goff Philip Bruce Goff (born 22 June 1953) is a New Zealand politician. He was a member of the New Zealand Parliament from 1981 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 2016. He served as leader of the Labour Party and leader of the Opposition between 11 No ...

(Labour) * Chief Justice —

Sian Elias Dame Sian Seerpoohi Elias (born 13 March 1949) is a New Zealand former Government official, who served as the 12th Chief Justice of New Zealand, and was therefore the most senior member of the country's judiciary. She was the presiding judge o ...

Opposition leaders

National National may refer to: Common uses * Nation or country ** Nationality – a ''national'' is a person who is subject to a nation, regardless of whether the person has full rights as a citizen Places in the United States * National, Maryland, ce ...

–

Bill English Sir Simon William English (born 30 December 1961) is a New Zealand former National Party politician who served as the 39th prime minister of New Zealand from 2016 to 2017 and as the 17th deputy prime minister of New Zealand and minister of f ...

then

Don Brash Donald Thomas Brash (born 24 September 1940) is a former New Zealand politician who was Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party from October 2003 to November 2006, and the Leader of ACT New Zealand from April to No ...

(

Leader of the Opposition The Leader of the Opposition is a title traditionally held by the leader of the largest political party not in government, typical in countries utilizing the parliamentary system form of government. The leader of the opposition is typically se ...

) * Greens –

Jeanette Fitzsimons Jeanette Mary Fitzsimons (née Gaston; 17 January 1945 – 5 March 2020) was a New Zealand politician and environmentalist. She was the co-leader of the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand from 1995 to 2009, and was a Member of Parliament from ...

and

Rod Donald Rodney David Donald (10 October 1957 – 6 November 2005) was a New Zealand politician who co-led the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, along with Jeanette Fitzsimons. He lived in Christchurch with his partner Nicola Shirlaw, and their thre ...

* Act –

Richard Prebble Richard William Prebble (born 7 February 1948) is a former member of the New Zealand Parliament. Initially a member of the Labour Party, he joined the newly formed ACT New Zealand party under Roger Douglas in 1996, becoming its leader from 19 ...

New Zealand First New Zealand First ( mi, Aotearoa Tuatahi), commonly abbreviated to NZ First, is a nationalist and populist political party in New Zealand. The party formed in July 1993 following the resignation on 19 March 1993 of its leader and founder, Winst ...

–

Winston Peters Winston Raymond Peters (born 11 April 1945) is a New Zealand politician serving as the leader of New Zealand First since its foundation in 1993. Peters served as the 13th deputy prime minister of New Zealand from 1996 to 1998 and 2017 to 2020 ...

–

Peter Dunne Peter Francis Dunne (born 17 March 1954) is a retired New Zealand politician who was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ōhāriu. He held the seat and its predecessors from 1984 to 2017—representing the Labour Party in Parliament from 1984 ...

Main centre leaders

Mayor of Auckland The Mayor of Auckland is the directly elected head of the Auckland Council, the local government authority for the Auckland Region in New Zealand, which it controls as a unitary authority. The position exists since October 2010 after the amalga ...

–

John Banks John Banks or Bankes may refer to: Politics and law *Sir John Banks, 1st Baronet (1627–1699), English merchant and Member of Parliament * John Banks (American politician) (1793–1864), U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania *John Gray Banks (188 ...

* Mayor of Hamilton –

David Braithwaite David Joseph Braithwaite (16 April 1937 – 18 March 2021) was a New Zealand politician. He was mayor of Hamilton from 2001 to 2004. Braithwaite was born in Hamilton on 16 April 1937. Both of his parents were prominent in civic life in Hamilt ...

Mayor of Wellington The Mayor of Wellington is the head of the municipal government of the City of Wellington. The mayor presides over the Wellington City Council. The mayor is directly elected using the Single Transferable Vote method of proportional representati ...

–

Kerry Prendergast Dame Kerry Leigh Prendergast (née Ferrier, born 28 March 1953) is a New Zealand politician who served as the 33rd Mayor of Wellington between 2001 and 2010, succeeding Mark Blumsky. She was the second woman to hold the position, after Fran Wil ...

Mayor of Christchurch The Mayor of Christchurch is the head of the municipal government of Christchurch, New Zealand, and presides over the Christchurch City Council. The mayor is directly elected using a First Past the Post electoral system. The current mayor, Phil ...

–

Garry Moore Garry Moore (born Thomas Garrison Morfit; January 31, 1915 – November 28, 1993) was an American entertainer, comedic personality, game show host, and humorist best known for his work in television. He began a long career with the CBS network ...

Mayor of Dunedin The Mayor of Dunedin is the head of the local government, the city council of Dunedin, New Zealand. The Mayor's role is "to provide leadership to the other elected members of the territorial authority, be a leader in the community and perform c ...

–

Sukhi Turner Dame Sukhinder Kaur Gill Turner (born Sukhinder Kaur Gill, 13 April 1952), commonly known as Sukhi Turner, is an Indian-born-New Zealand politician who served as the Mayor of Dunedin, New Zealand, from 1995 until her retirement from the positio ...

Events

* 11 February –

Donna Awatere Huata Donna Lynn Awatere Huata (sometimes written Awatere-Huata, previously known as Donna Awatere; born 1949) is a former member of the New Zealand Parliament for the ACT New Zealand Party and activist for Māori causes. Early life Donna Awatere wa ...

is expelled from the caucus of political party

ACT New Zealand ACT New Zealand, known simply as ACT (), is a right-wing, classical-liberal political party in New Zealand. According to former party leader Rodney Hide, ACT's values are "individual freedom, personal responsibility, doing the best for our natur ...

. She remained in parliament. * 1 April – the

Government Communications Security Bureau Act 2003 The Government Communications Security Bureau Act 2003 is a repealed New Zealand Act of Parliament. It formalised the role of the Government Communications Security Bureau (the GCSB), which had previously existed in various states of secrecy sin ...

received Royal Assent * 24 April – New Zealand's population reaches the 4,000,000 mark, according to Statistics New Zealand's population clock. * 3 June – Air Adventures flight crashes on approach to Christchurch Airport, killing eight on board * 9 June – Announcement by the Prime Minister of the provision of a Defence Force engineering group of up to 60 personnel to work on reconstruction tasks in southern Iraq and, as part of New Zealand's continuing participation in Operation Enduring Freedom, of the intention to contribute to a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. * 30 June – Announcement that the

North Island The North Island, also officially named Te Ika-a-Māui, is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, separated from the larger but much less populous South Island by the Cook Strait. The island's area is , making it the world's 14th-largest ...

population reaches 3 million,

North Shore City North is one of the four compass points or cardinal directions. It is the opposite of south and is perpendicular to east and west. ''North'' is a noun, adjective, or adverb indicating direction or geography. Etymology The word ''north'' is ...

reaches 200,000 and

Porirua City Porirua, ( mi, Pari-ā-Rua) a city in the Wellington Region of the North Island of New Zealand, is one of the four cities that constitute the Wellington metropolitan area. The name 'Porirua' is a corruption of 'Pari-rua', meaning "the tide swee ...

reaches 50,000 * 5 July – 350 skiers and 70 staff were trapped in skifield facilities on

Mount Ruapehu Mount Ruapehu (; ) is an active stratovolcano at the southern end of the Taupō Volcanic Zone and North Island volcanic plateau in New Zealand. It is northeast of Ohakune and southwest of the southern shore of Lake Taupō, within the Tongari ...

when a sudden storm closes the access road. All descend safely the next day. * August – The Refugee Status Appeals Authority declares that

Ahmed Zaoui Ahmed Zaoui ( ar, أحمد الزاوي) is an Algerian member of the Islamic Salvation Front. He arrived in New Zealand on 4 December 2002 where he sought refugee status. Objections from the Security Intelligence Service were withdrawn in Septemb ...

is a genuine asylum seeker. He is moved from a maximum security to medium security prison as a result. *15 August – The

Strongman Mine The Strongman Mine was an underground coal mine north of Greymouth on the West Coast of New Zealand from 1938 to 2003. On 19 January 1967 a gas explosion in the mine killed 19 miners. In 1994 the original mine was replaced by the Strongman 2 mi ...

closes *22 August – the

2003 Fiordland earthquake The 2003 Fiordland earthquake struck the remote region of Fiordland in the South Island of New Zealand on 22 August 2003 at 12:12 am NZST. The epicentre was 12 km deep, and was thought to be near Secretary Island at the entrance to Doubtful ...

strikes, in a remote part of New Zealand. *28 October –

becomes parliamentary leader of the National Party. *October – Australian company

Toll Holdings The Toll Group is an Australian-based subsidiary of Japan Post Holdings with operations in transportation, warehousing and logistics in road, rail, sea and air. It has two divisions; Global Forwarding, Global Logistics. History In 1888, Al ...

completes a takeover of

Tranz Rail Tranz Rail, formally Tranz Rail Holdings Limited (New Zealand Rail Limited until 1995), was the main Rail transport in New Zealand, rail operator in New Zealand from 1991 until it was purchased by Toll Holdings in 2003. History The New Zealand ...

*18 November – the

Supreme Court A supreme court is the highest court within the hierarchy of courts in most legal jurisdictions. Other descriptions for such courts include court of last resort, apex court, and high (or final) court of appeal. Broadly speaking, the decisions of ...

declares that Donna Awatere Huata has no right to her parliamentary seat. * Evangelical Christian based political party

Destiny New Zealand Destiny New Zealand was a Christian political party in New Zealand centred on the charismatic/pentecostal Destiny Church. The party described itself as "centre-right". It placed a strong focus on socially conservative values and argued that th ...

formed.

Arts and literature

Awards

Nick Ascroft Nick Ascroft (born 1973) is a New Zealand poet and writer. Life Nick Ascroft was born in Oamaru, New Zealand in 1973. In his career of writing, his poetry has been featured widely in both New Zealand and international journals. Ascroft's publis ...

and

Sarah Quigley Sarah Quigley is a New Zealand-born writer. Background Sarah Quigley was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, on the 1 October 1967. She has an MA Hons from the University of Canterbury and a DPhil in English Literature from the University of ...

win the

Robert Burns Fellowship The Robert Burns Fellowship is a New Zealand literary residency. Established in 1958 to coincide with bicentennial celebrations of the birth of Robert Burns, it is often claimed to be New Zealand's premier literary residency. The list of past ...

New Zealand Book Awards

* Readers' Choice: ''Playing God'' Glenn Colquhoun * Non-fiction: ''Wine Atlas of New Zealand'' Michael Cooper *Fiction: ''The Shag Incident'' Stephanie Johnson *Poetry: ''Playing God'' Glenn Colquhoun *History: ''No idle rich: The Wealthy in Canterbury & Otago 1840–1914'' Jim McAloon *Lifestyle and contemporary culture: ''Wine Atlas of New Zealand'' Michael Cooper *Biography: ''A sort of conscience: The Wakefields'' Philip Temple *Illustrative: ''Len Castle: Potter'' Nancy Pel and Len Castle *Reference & Anthology: ''Spirit in a strange land: A Selection of New Zealand spiritual verse'' edited by Paul Morris,

Harry Ricketts Harry Ricketts (born 1950) is a poet, biographer, editor, anthologist, critic, academic, literary scholar and cricket writer. He has written biographies of Rudyard Kipling and of a dozen British First World War poets. Life Ricketts was bor ...

and Mike Grimshaw *Environment* ''Te Araroa: The New Zealand Trail'' Geoff Chapple

New Zealand Music Awards The Aotearoa Music Awards (previously called the New Zealand Music Awards), conferred annually by Recorded Music NZ, honour outstanding artistic and technical achievements in the recording industry. The awards are among the most significant that ...

A number of new categories were introduced this year: 'Highest Selling NZ Album', 'Highest Selling NZ Single', 'Best Pacific Island Album' (its predecessor 'Best Polynesian Album' last presented in 1997), and 'Best Roots Music Album'. 'Best R&B/ Hip Hop Album' was renamed 'Best Urban Album'. Two categories were retired 'Best Children's Album', and 'Best Compilation'. This year was also the first to feature a Lifetime Achievement Award. * Album of the Year: ''

The Datsuns The Datsuns are a hard rock band from Cambridge, New Zealand, formed in 1998. Founding mainstays are Rudolf "Dolf" de Borst on vocals and bass guitar, and Christian Livingstone and Phil Somervell, both on guitar. They have released seven albu ...

– The Datsuns'' ** Pacifier – Pacifier ** Goldenhorse – Riverhead ** Bic Runga – Beautiful Collision ** Nesian Mystik – Polysaturated * Single of the Year: ''

Goodshirt Goodshirt are an alternative/ pop/rock band from Auckland, New Zealand. The band formed when keyboardist Gareth Thomas left his computer recording setup with the Fisher brothers, Rodney and Murray, for safe keeping. While still a three piece, t ...

– Sophie'' ** Che Fu – Misty Frequencies ** Bic Runga – Get Some Sleep ** Anika Moa – Falling in Love Again ** Nesian Mystik – It's On * Top Group: ''The Datsuns – The Datsuns'' ** Goodshirt – Sophie ** Nesian Mystik – Polysaturated * Breakthrough Artist of the Year: ''The Datsuns – The Datsuns '' ** Goldenhorse – Riverhead ** Blindspott – Blindspott * Best Male Vocalist: ''

Che Fu Che Kuo Eruera Ness (born 1974), better known by his stage name Che Fu, is a New Zealand hip hop, R&B and reggae artist, songwriter and producer. A founding member of the band Supergroove, as a solo artist he has gone on to sell thousands of ...

– Misty Frequencies'' ** Jon Toogood- Pacifier (Pacifier) ** Te Awanui Pine Reeder (Nesian Mystik) – For The People * Best Female Vocalist: ''

Bic Runga Briolette Kah Bic Runga (born 13 January 1976), recording as Bic Runga, is a New Zealand singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist pop artist. Her first three studio albums debuted at number one on the Recording Industry Association of New Ze ...

– Beautiful Collision'' ** Anika Moa – Falling in Love Again ** Kirsten Morrell – Riverhead (Goldenhorse) * Best Solo Artist (new category): ''Bic Runga – Beautiful Collision'' ** Anika Moa – Falling in Love Again ** Carly Binding – Alright With Me * Best Urban Album: ''

Nesian Mystik Nesian Mystik was a New Zealand Hip hop music, hip-hop/Contemporary R&B, R&B group which formed in 1999. The cultural backgrounds of its members united a remarkable diversity of Polynesia by bringing together Cook Islands, Cook Island, Tongans, ...

– Polysaturated'' ** P Money – Big Things ** Deceptikonz – Elimination * Best Folk Album: not awarded * Best Music Video: '' Joe Lonie – Sophie (Goodshirt)'' ** Che Fu – Misty Frequencies ** Chris Graham / Bic Runga – Something Good (Bic Runga) * Outstanding International Achievement: ''The Datsuns'' * Best Mana Reo Album: '' Ngahiwi Apanui – E Tau Nei'' ** Hareruia Aperama – Waiata of Bob Marley Vol 2 ** Adam Whauwhau – He Hua O Roto * Best Mana Maori Album: ''

Upper Hutt Posse Upper Hutt Posse (UHP) is a musical band in Aotearoa. The progenitors of hip hop music in the South Pacific originally formed as a four-piece reggae group in 1985, the Posse emerged at the forefront of the local response to emerging rap cultur ...

– Te Reo Maori Remixes'' ** Soul Paua – Pohewa ** Mahinarangi Tocker – Hei Ha ** Brother J – Be Bop A Nui * Highest Selling NZ Album (new category): ''Bic Runga – Beautiful Collision'' * Highest Selling NZ Single (new category): ''

Katchafire Katchafire are an all Māori New Zealand roots reggae band from Hamilton, New Zealand. History Katchafire formed in Hamilton in 1997, originally as a Bob Marley tribute band.Campbell-Livingston, Cecelia (2013)Katchafire keeping NZ reggae scene ...

– Giddy Up'' * Producer of the Year: ''Bic Runga – Beautiful Collision'' ** P Money – Big Things (P Money) ** Geoffrey Maddock – Riverhead (Goldenhorse) * Engineer of the Year: ''Clint Murphy And Dave Rhodes –

Blindspott Blindspott is an alternative metal band from West Auckland, New Zealand. After performing under the name Blacklistt for several years, the original line-up got back together in 2018.Kellman, Andy " Blindspott Biography, Allmusic, Macrovision ...

'' ** Jeremy Greor – Carbon (50HZ) ** Barbara Griffin – Love Not War (Annie Crummer) ** Simon Holloway & Shane Mason – K'Lee (K'Lee) * Best Dance Album: ''Salmonella Dub – Outside The Dubplates'' ** Rhombus -Bass Player ** Subware – Subware * Best Country Album: not awarded * Best Jazz Album: '' Kevin Clark – Once Upon A Song I Flew'' ** Twinset – It's A Summer Feeling ** Matt Penman – The Unquiet * Best Gospel Album: not awarded * Best Pacific Island Album (new category): ''

Pacific Soul Pacific Soul is a four-piece female Polynesian pop band created and produced by Sam Tu'uga of Jamoa Jam. History They formed in Auckland, New Zealand in 2001 and have released two albums. The original members consist of Sara-Jane Auva'a, Julie T ...

– Pacific Soul'' ** Jamoa Jam – Tama Mai Le Pasifika ** Lapi Mariner – Just Me * Best Roots Music Album (new category): ''

Trinity Roots TrinityRoots (1998–2005, 2011–present) are a band based in Wellington, New Zealand. Although they are commonly associated with New Zealand reggae they also embody a stripped back, jazz and soul-influenced rhythmic sound, which often ...

– True'' ** Te Vaka – Nukukehe ** Darren Watson – King Size * Best Classical Album: ''New Zealand Symphony Orchestra – Douglas Lilburn: The Three Symphonies'' ** New Zealand Symphony Orchestra -Simon Boccanegra -Giuseppe V ** New Zealand String Quartet – Beethoven Rasumovsky Quartet * Songwriter of the Year: ''Goodshirt – Sophie'' ** Che Fu – Misty Frequencies ** Nesian Mystik – It's On * Best Cover Design: '' Campbell Hooper-Johnson – 'Flock: The Best Of

The Mutton Birds The Mutton Birds were a New Zealand rock music group formed in Auckland in 1991 by Ross Burge, David Long and Don McGlashan, with Alan Gregg joining a year later. Four of their albums reached the top 10 on the New Zealand Albums Chart ...

'' ** Damian Alexander – Blindspott (Blindspott) ** Spencer Levine – Trade Secrets (Dubious Brothers) * New Zealand Radio Programmer of the Year: '' Andi Dawkins –

More FM More FM is a New Zealand radio network that plays hot adult contemporary music. It is operated by MediaWorks New Zealand. More FM broadcasts in 25 centres throughout New Zealand on 81 transmitters with a mix of local and network programming. ...

Christchurch'' ** Andrew Szusterman – Channel Z ** John Budge – Classic Hits ** Manu Taylor – Mai FM * Lifetime Achievement Award (new category): Dylan Taite

Performing arts

Benny Award The Benny Award is bestowed on a New Zealand variety entertainer. It is presented annually by the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand, a non-for-profit organisation and showbusiness club, founded in 1966 and awarded to a variety performer who ha ...

presented by the

Variety Artists Club of New Zealand The Variety Artists Club of New Zealand Inc (VAC) is a non-for-profit organisation and show business club. It was founded in 1966 and became an incorporated society in 1972. The VAC was formed to promote goodwill within the New Zealand enterta ...

to Jim Joll.

Television

*3 October:

TV4 TV4 or TV 4 may refer to: *TV4 (Poland), a private Polish television station *TV4 (Sweden), a Swedish television network **TV4 Group, owners of the Swedish television station *South African Broadcasting Corporation TV4, a channel operated by the st ...

is replaced by C4.

Film

*'' Kombi Nation'' *''

The Last Samurai ''The Last Samurai'' is a 2003 epic period action drama film directed and co-produced by Edward Zwick, who also co-wrote the screenplay with John Logan and Marshall Herskovitz from a story devised by Logan. The film stars Ken Watanabe in the t ...

'' *''

Whale Rider ''Whale Rider'' is a 2002 New Zealand Drama (film and television), drama film written and directed by Niki Caro. Based on the 1987 novel ''The Whale Rider'' by Witi Ihimaera, the film stars Keisha Castle-Hughes as Kahu Paikea Apirana, a twelve- ...

'' *17 December: World premiere of '' The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'' in

Wellington Wellington ( mi, Te Whanganui-a-Tara or ) is the capital city of New Zealand. It is located at the south-western tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Remutaka Range. Wellington is the second-largest city in New Zealand by me ...

Internet

See
NZ Internet History

Sport

Athletics

* Todd Stevens wins his first national title in the men's marathon, clocking 2:30:09 on 3 May in

Rotorua Rotorua () is a city in the Bay of Plenty region of New Zealand's North Island. The city lies on the southern shores of Lake Rotorua, from which it takes its name. It is the seat of the Rotorua Lakes District, a territorial authority encompass ...

, while Maree Turner claims her first in the women's championship (2:55:40).

Basketball

* The NBL won by the

Wellington Saints The Wellington Saints are a New Zealand basketball team based in Wellington. The Saints compete in the National Basketball League (NBL) and play their home games at TSB Bank Arena. Team history The Wellington Saints were founded in 1981. In 1 ...

who beat the

Waikato Titans The Waikato Pistons were a New Zealand basketball team based in Hamilton. The Pistons competed in the National Basketball League (NBL) and played their home games at Hamilton Boys' High School. After sitting out the 2012 NBL season, the Pist ...

97–88 in the final. * The Women's NBL was won by the Wellington Swish who beat the Waikato Lady Titans 86–82 in the final

Horse racing

Harness racing

New Zealand Trotting Cup The New Zealand Cup for standardbred horses, also known as either the New Zealand Trotting Cup or the New Zealand Pacing Cup is a Group One (G1) harness race held annually by the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club at Addington Raceway in Chri ...

– Just an Excuse *

Auckland Trotting Cup The Auckland Pacing Cup which is sometimes referred to as the Auckland Trotting Cup or merely the Auckland Cup is a race held at Alexandra Park in Auckland, New Zealand for Standardbred horses. It is one of the two major harness races, along with ...

–

Elsu Elsu (foaled 19 December 1999) is a black New Zealand bred Standardbred pacer who won the Australasian Pacers Grand Circuit Champion and was twice the New Zealand Horse of the Year. He was sired by Falcon Seelster out of Interchange by New Y ...

New Zealand Free For All The New Zealand Pacing Free For All is a major New Zealand harness race. It is notable as it is a Group One championship sprint race and has been won by nearly every champion pacer in New Zealand. History of the race Horses which have won the F ...

– Jack Cade

Motor racing

* 12 October –

Scott Dixon Scott Ronald Dixon (born 22 July 1980) is a professional racing driver from New Zealand, who competes in the NTT IndyCar Series for Chip Ganassi Racing. Dixon has won the IndyCar championship six times: in 2003, 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 202 ...

wins the 2003 Indy Racing League Championship

Netball

* The 11th

Netball World Championships The Netball World Cup is a quadrennial international netball world championship organised by the World Netball, inaugurated in 1963. Since its inception the competition has been dominated primarily by the Australia national netball team and t ...

were held in

Kingston, Jamaica Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island. It faces a natural harbour protected by the Palisadoes, a long sand spit which connects the town of Port Royal and the Norman Manley Inter ...

New Zealand New Zealand ( mi, Aotearoa ) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island () and the South Island ()—and over 700 smaller islands. It is the sixth-largest island count ...

won, beating Australia in the final.

Rugby union

* 11 October – Auckland defeat Canterbury to win the

Ranfurly Shield The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the Log o' Wood, is a trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First played for in 1904, the Shield is based on a challenge system. The holding union must defend the shield in challeng ...

, ending Canterbury's run of 23 defences. * 11 October – New Zealand beat Italy (70–7) in pool D of the

Rugby World Cup The Rugby World Cup is a men's rugby union tournament contested every four years between the top international teams. The tournament is administered by World Rugby, the sport's international governing body. The winners are awarded the Webb E ...

* 17 October – New Zealand beat Canada (68–6) in pool D of the

* 24 October – New Zealand beat Tonga (91–7) in pool D of the

* 2 November – New Zealand beat Wales (53–37) in pool D of the

, finishing top of pool D * 8 November – New Zealand beat South Africa (29–9) in the first quarter-final of the

* 15 November – New Zealand lose to Australia (10–22) in the first semi-final of the

* 20 November – Playoff: (Loser SF1 v Loser SF2) New Zealand beat France (40–13) to take 3rd place in the

Rugby league

Bartercard Cup The Bartercard Cup (successor of the Lion Red Cup) was the top level rugby league club competition in New Zealand from 2000 until 2007. For the entire life of the tournament it was sponsored by Bartercard. The cup was administered by the New Zeala ...

won by

Canterbury Bulls The Canterbury rugby league team (also known as the Canterbury Bulls) are a rugby league team who represent the Canterbury Rugby League. They currently compete in the Albert Baskerville Trophy. Their home ground is Orangetheory Stadium in Chri ...

* The

New Zealand Warriors The New Zealand Warriors are a professional rugby league football club based in Auckland, New Zealand that competes in the National Rugby League (NRL) premiership and is the League's only team from outside Australia. They were formed in 1995 as ...

finished 6th (of 15 teams) in the minor premiership, qualifying for the finals series, where they won two games before losing the preliminary final to minor premieres the

Penrith Panthers The Penrith Panthers are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith that competes in the NRL. The team is based west of the centre of Sydney, at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Penrith ...

Shooting

*Ballinger Belt – ** Ian Shaw (United Kingdom) ** Ross Geange (Masterton), fourth, top New Zealander

Soccer

New Zealand National Soccer League The New Zealand National League is the name given to the current New Zealand top football competition. Originally set up as the New Zealand National Soccer League there has been many versions of the competition as well as many different names. Th ...

won by

Miramar Rangers Miramar Rangers AFC is an amateur New Zealand association football club in the Wellington suburb of Miramar. The club is one of the most successful in New Zealand having won the Chatham Cup four times and the National League title twice. Over t ...

* The

Chatham Cup The Chatham Cup is New Zealand's premier knockout tournament in men's association football. It is held annually, with the final contested in September. The current champions of the Chatham Cup are 2022 winners Auckland City, who defeated Eastern ...

is won by

University-Mount Wellington University-Mount Wellington is an association football club in Auckland, New Zealand. It was formed from the amalgamation of University AFC and Mount Wellington AFC. The team play at Bill McKinlay Park, Panmure, Auckland. Club history During ...

who beat

Melville United Melville United AFC is an amateur football club in Melville, Hamilton, New Zealand. It competes in the Northern League. History The club was formed in 1996 from the merger of Melville AFC (founded 1972) and Waikato United (founded 1988). The ...

3–1 in the final.

Yachting

* 19 January – Swiss yacht ''

Alinghi Alinghi, or Alinghi Red Bull Racing because of the sports marketing branding by Red Bull, is the syndicate set up by Ernesto Bertarelli, racing under the colors of the Société Nautique de Genève, to challenge for the America's Cup, as well as ...

'', skippered by Russell Coutts, beats ''

Oracle BMW Racing Oracle Team USA is an American yacht racing syndicate initially formed to compete for the 2003 America's Cup. They competed again in the 2007 event before winning the 33rd America's Cup regatta in 2010 – representing the Golden Gate Yacht Club. ...

'' 4–1 to win the

Louis Vuitton Cup The Louis Vuitton Cup was the name of the Challenger Selection Series sailing competition from 1983, named after its sponsor, Louis Vuitton. The winner of the competition became the challenger to compete with the defender of the America's Cu ...

off

Auckland Auckland (pronounced ) ( mi, Tāmaki Makaurau) is a large metropolitan city in the North Island of New Zealand. The List of New Zealand urban areas by population, most populous urban area in the country and the List of cities in Oceania by po ...

and goes on to challenge

Team New Zealand Team New Zealand or TNZ is a sailing team based in Auckland, New Zealand representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Team New Zealand became a household name in their home country following their consecutive wins in the America's Cup in ...

for the

2003 America's Cup The 31st America's Cup was contested between the holder, Team New Zealand, and the winner of the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup, Alinghi. Build Up The 2002–2003 Louis Vuitton Cup, held in the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland, New Zealand saw nine teams fro ...

. * 2 March – ''Alinghi'', skippered by Russell Coutts, beats Team New Zealand boat ''New Zealand'' skippered by Dean Barker 5–0 to win the

Births

* 8 January – Sosefo Fifita, rugby league player * 18 February –

Jeremiah Nanai Jeremiah Nanai (born 18 February 2003) is an Australia international rugby league footballer who plays as a forward for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League (NRL). He has played at representative level for Queensland in ...

, rugby league player * 24 February – Jackson Manuel, association footballer * 13 March – Patricia Maliepo, rugby union player * 19 March – Caleb Tangitau, rugby union player * 23 March – Davvy Moale, rugby league player * 19 April – April Ngatupuna, rugby union and rugby league player * 22 April –

Che Clark Che Clark (born 22 April 2003) is a New Zealand professional rugby union player who plays as a flanker for National Provincial Championship club Auckland and the New Zealand national sevens team. International career Clark was named in the ...

, rugby union player * 12 May – Kelsey Teneti, rugby union player * 25 May – Deine Mariner, rugby league player * 13 August – Cameron Gray, swimmer * 23 August – Efficient, Thoroughbred racehorse * 23 September – Finn Surman, association footballer * 31 October –

Green Birdie Green Birdie () (foaled 31 October 2003) is a Hong Kong-based Thoroughbred racehorse. In the season of 2009–2010, he won the G1 KrisFlyer International Sprint at Kranji on 16 May. He was also one of the nominees for the 2010 Hong Kong Horse ...

, Thoroughbred racehorse * 17 November – Callum Hedge, racing driving * 24 November –

Charlotte Cleverley-Bisman Charlotte Lucy Cleverley-Bisman (born 24 November 2003) is a child known as the face of a New Zealand campaign to encourage vaccination against meningococcal disease after contracting and surviving severe meningococcal sepsis. She was nicknamed " ...

, face of campaign against meningococcal disease * 31 December –

Erika Fairweather Erika Fairweather (born 31 December 2003) is a New Zealand swimmer who competed at the 2019 World Aquatics Championships and the 2020 Summer Olympics. Fairweather was born in Dunedin, She is of mixed European and Māori descent, affiliating with ...

, swimmer * Undated ** Deine Mariner, rugby league player ** Manaia Nuku, rugby union player ** Raymond Tuputupu, rugby union player

Deaths

January–March

* 6 January –

Hirini Melbourne Hirini (Sid) Melbourne (21 July 1949 – 6 January 2003) was a Māori composer, singer, university lecturer, poet and author who was notable for his contribution to the development of Māori music and the revival of Māori culture. He played trad ...

, composer, singer, writer and academic (born 1949) * 7 January –

Charisma Charisma () is a personal quality of presence or charm that compels its subjects. Scholars in sociology, political science, psychology, and management reserve the term for a type of leadership seen as extraordinary; in these fields, the term "ch ...

, eventing horse (foaled 1972) * 8 January –

Mac Price Macalister "Mac" Price, (25 May 1948 – 8 January 2003) was a senior New Zealand Foreign Affairs official, who held diplomatic postings in Japan, Australia, Indonesia, the South Pacific, Samoa, and Malaysia. Price graduated with a master's degre ...

, diplomat (born 1948) * 16 January – Bruce Juddery, journalist (born 1941) * 17 January – Phil Hawksworth, badminton player (born 1913) * 20 January – Cleone Rivett-Carnac, athlete (born 1933) * 21 January ** James Clark, cricketer (born 1910) ** Les Lock, racing cyclist (born 1929) * 22 January – Dylan Taite, drummer, rock music journalist (born 1937) * 29 January – Bill Sewell, poet (born 1951) * 30 January – Ron Buchan, lawn bowler (born 1907) * 1 February – Bill Meates, rugby union player (born 1923) * 2 February –

Stan Cowman Stanley Corbett Cowman (14 April 1923 – 2 February 2003) was a New Zealand cricket umpire. In his international umpiring career, he stood in two ODI games in 1983. He was also an honorary curator of the New Zealand Cricket Museum at the Ba ...

, cricket umpire (born 1923) * 13 February – Bright Williams, last surviving New Zealand-born veteran of World War I (born 1897) * 22 February – Sir

Frank Callaway Sir Frank Callaway (16 May 191922 February 2003) was an influential music educator and administrator. He was born in New Zealand but spent the major part of his life and career in Perth, Western Australia, where he built the UWA School of Mus ...

, music educator and administrator (born 1919) * 25 February – Marion Robinson, physiologist, nutritionist (born 1923) * 7 March –

Sid Scales Sydney Ernest Scales (17 July 1916 – 7 March 2003) was a New Zealand cartoonist. Biography Born in Ashburton, New Zealand, Scales studied at the London Central School of Art and Design and was a staff cartoonist at the ''Otago Daily Times'' ...

, cartoonist (born 1916) * 19 March – Tori Reid, rugby union player (born 1912) * 27 March –

Edwin Carr Edwin Carr may refer to: * Edwin Carr (composer) Edwin James Nairn Carr (10 August 1926 – 27 March 2003) was a composer of classical music from New Zealand. Biography Edwin Carr was born in Auckland and was educated at Otago Boys' High S ...

, composer (born 1926)

April–June

* 5 April –

Irihapeti Ramsden Irihapeti Merenia Ramsden (1946 – 5 April 2003) was a New Zealand Māori people, Māori nurse, anthropologist, and writer who worked to improve health outcomes for Māori people. Biography Irihapeti Ramsden was the daughter of writer and ...

, nurse, educator (born 1946) * 7 April – John Rymer, Anglican cleric (born 1924) * 8 April –

Harry Frazer Harry L. Fraser (31 March 1889 – 8 April 1974) was an American film director and screenplay writer. Biography Born in 1889 in San Francisco, Fraser directed over 80 films between 1925 and 1951, including the 1934 John Wayne film ''Randy Rides ...

, rugby union player (born 1916) * 14 April – John Kent, cartoonist (born 1937) * 22 April – Ian Marshall, association football player and coach (born 1942) * 27 April – Albert Richards, athlete (born 1924) * 29 April –

Ron Barclay Ronald Morrison Barclay (2 September 1914 – 29 April 2003) was a New Zealand politician of the Labour Party. Early life and family Born in Little River, New Zealand in 1914, he received his education at the Christchurch Technical College. ...

, politician (born 1914) * 30 April –

Possum Bourne Peter "Possum" Raymond George Bourne (13 April 1956 – 30 April 2003) was a champion New Zealand rally car driver. He died under non-competitive circumstances while driving on a public road that was to be the track for an upcoming race. Awards ...

, rally driver (born 1956) * 5 May –

Margaret Dalziel Edith Margaret Dalziel (21 November 1916 – 5 May 2003) was an English literature scholar at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. She was the first female Pro-Vice Chancellor of the university. Biography Dalziel was born in Rangiora ...

, English literature academic (born 1916) * 12 May –

Stan Lay Stanley Arthur Lay (27 July 1906 – 12 May 2003) was a New Zealand javelin thrower who competed at the 1928 Summer Olympics, 1930 British Empire Games, 1938 British Empire Games, and 1950 British Empire Games. In 1928, he finished seventh. ...

, athlete (born 1906) * 24 May **

Neil Cherry Neil James Cherry (29 September 1946 – 24 May 2003) was a New Zealand environmental scientist. Biography Early life and family Cherry was born in Christchurch on 29 September 1946. His parents were James Conrad Cherry and Mona Hartley, who h ...

, environmental scientist (born 1946) ** Kaarene Fitzgerald, advocate for study and treatment of sudden infant death (born 1944) * 28 May –

Phil Holloway Philip North Holloway (22 March 1917 – 28 May 2003) was a New Zealand politician of the Labour Party. Biography Early life and career Holloway was born in Hokitika in 1917. His father was an Anglican parson and he received his secondary ed ...

, politician (born 1917) * 29 May **

Joanna Paul Joanna Margaret Paul (14 December 1945 – 29 May 2003) was a New Zealand visual artist, poet and film-maker. Early life and education Paul was one of four daughters of pioneering New Zealand publisher Blackwood Paul and artist and writer Ja ...

, visual artist, poet, filmmaker (born 1945) ** Sina Woolcott, artist (born 1907) * 2 June –

Kenneth Maddock Kenneth James Maddock (1937 – 2 June 2003) was an anthropologist in Australia, and scholar of Australian Aboriginal societies.Hiatt, L.R (2003) "Kenneth Maddock 1937 - 2003". ''The Australian Journal of Anthropology''. Volume 14. Number 3. Pag ...

, anthropology academic (born 1937) * 5 June –

Alister Abernethy Alister Scott Abernethy (24 September 1920 – 5 June 2003) was a New Zealand trade unionist, politician and public servant. Over a 39 year period he was an elected member in three different parts of New Zealand. Biography Abernethy was born i ...

, trade unionist, politician and public servant (born 1920) * 9 June – Jack Henry, silviculturist and businessman (born 1917) * 12 June –

Monty Monteith George Rae "Monty" Monteith (14 February 1904 – 12 June 2003) was the Dean of Auckland from 1949 until 1969; Vicar general of the Diocese of Auckland from 1963; and an Assistant Bishop there from 1965. Born in Mangatainoka, Monteith was educate ...

, clergyman (born 1904) * 14 June – Joyce Powell, cricketer (born 1922) * 15 June – David Holt, association footballer (born 1952) * 20 June – Thomas Freeman, cricketer (born 1923)

July–September

* 6 July – Peter Howden, cricketer (born 1911) * 13 July –

Lin Colling George Lindsay Colling (27 August 1946 – 13 July 2003) was a New Zealand rugby union player, coach and administrator. A halfback, Colling represented Otago and Auckland at a provincial level, and was a member of the New Zealand national side, ...

, rugby union player, coach and administrator (born 1946) * 20 July – Bill Schaefer, field hockey player (born 1925) * 21 July – John Davies, athlete (born 1938) * 24 July – Dame Ella Campbell, botanist (born 1910) * 25 July – Joan Talbot, fashion designer and retailer (born 1927) * 30 July –

Agnes Ell Agnes Elizabeth Ell (married name Hurcomb; 19 January 1917 – 30 July 2003) was a New Zealand cricketer who played as a right-arm medium bowler. She appeared in one Test match for New Zealand, their first, in 1935. She played domestic cricket f ...

, cricketer (born 1917) * 3 August – Joyce Macdonald, swimmer (born 1922) * 7 August –

Mike Hinge Mike Hinge (born Michael Barry Hinge, Auckland, August 9, 1931 – Philadelphia, August 2003) was an illustrator and graphic designer. His work included portraits with a pop art influence for the cover of Time magazine: Japanese Emperor Hirohit ...

, illustrator and graphic designer (born 1931) * 8 August –

Allan McCready Allan McCready (1 September 1916 – 8 August 2003) was a New Zealand politician of the National Party. Biography McCready was born in Kawakawa in 1916, the son of Alexander McCready. He received his education at Kawakawa District H ...

, politician (born 1916) * 9 August **

Rex Challies Rex Sinclair Challies (15 September 1924 – 9 August 2003) was a New Zealand cricketer for Central Districts and Wellington between 1947 and 1956, in a total of 17 first class cricket matches. A legbreak spin-bowler, he took 45 wickets at 37. ...

, cricketer (born 1924) **

Corran McLachlan Corran Norman Stuart McLachlan (1 April 1944 – 9 August 2003) was a New Zealand research scientist and entrepreneur. McLachlan is noted for his work on epidemiological research surrounding the effects of the A1 beta-casein. He believed th ...

, chemical engineer, entrepreneur (born 1944) * 12 August – Alan McLean, cricketer (born 1911) * 22 August – Dorothea Anne Franchi, pianist, harpist, music educator and composer (born 1920) * 27 August –

Mick Connelly Michael Aynsley Connelly (21 February 1916 – 27 August 2003) was a New Zealand politician of the Labour Party, and a Cabinet Minister from 1972 to 1975 in the Third Labour Government. Biography Early life Connelly was born in Wellington o ...

, politician (born 1916) * 2 September – Dame

Ann Ballin Dame Reubina Ann Ballin (20 February 1932 – 2 September 2003) was a New Zealand psychologist and victims' rights advocate. In 2002, she was accorded New Zealand's highest civilian honour, membership of the Order of New Zealand. Biography Bor ...

, clinical psychologist, victims' rights advocate and disabilities campaigner (born 1932) * 5 September – Sir Richard Harrison, politician (born 1921) * 7 September ** David Spence, mathematician (born 1926) **

Merv Wellington Mervyn Langlois Wellington (6 October 1940 – 7 September 2003) was a New Zealand politician of the National Party. Early life and family Wellington was born in Inglewood in 1940, and received his education at New Plymouth Boys' High School ...

, politician (born 1940) * 11 September – Frances King, cricketer (born 1980) * 15 September – Anthony Treadwell, architect (born 1922) * 19 September ** Max Brown, writer (born 1916) **

Adrian Shelford Adrian Tremain Shelford (4 January 1964 – 19 September 2003) was a New Zealand rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He played at representative level for New Zealand, and at club level for Wigan and Wakefield Trinity ( H ...

, rugby league player (born 1964) * 23 September –

Dennis McEldowney Richard Dennis McEldowney (29 January 1926 – 23 September 2003) was a New Zealand author and publisher. His best known work was ''The World Regained.'' Auto-biographical in nature, it described how he dealt with being an invalid due to having ...

, writer and editor (born 1926) * 25 September –

Bill Wolfgramm Bill Wolfgramm (7 October 1925 — 25 September 2003) aka Bill Wolfgramme was a musician specialising in lap steel guitar and popular Hawaiian music. He was born in the island kingdom of Tonga and was also of German descent. He is the former lead ...

, musician (born 1925)

October–December

* 3 October ** Lyall Barry, swimmer (born 1926) ** Savenaca Siwatibau, Fijian public servant and university administrator (born 1940) * 18 October –

Frank O'Flynn Francis Duncan O'Flynn (24 October 1918 – 17 October 2003) was a New Zealand politician of the Labour Party. Biography O'Flynn was born in Runanga in 1918. He was the son of Francis Edward O'Flynn and Margaret Helen Valentine Duncan. He re ...

, politician (born 1918) * 31 October – Lindsay Weir, cricketer (born 1908) * 5 November – Muriel Boswell, netball player (born 1915) * 12 November –

Cameron Duncan Cameron Troy Duncan (20 April 1986 – 12 November 2003) was a filmmaker from New Zealand. Biography Life and film career Duncan was of Māori descent and was raised in Auckland and attended Avondale College. Duncan completed many home videos b ...

, filmmaker (born 1986) * 15 November –

Tom Kneebone Tom Kneebone, (12 May 1932 – 15 November 2003) was a New Zealand-Canadian cabaret performer and actor. Early life Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Kneebone went to England to study at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Career He moved ...

, cabaret performer and actor (born 1932) * 16 November – Theo Allen, athlete (born 1914) * 23 November – Nick Carter, cyclist (born 1924) * 24 November – Millie Khan, lawn bowler (born 1938) * 26 November – Brian Wybourne, physics academic (born 1935) * 17 December –

James Coe Herbert James Bowkett Coe (26 September 1917 – 17 December 2003) was a New Zealand artist, art teacher, industrial designer and early champion of ergonomic design. Biography Coe was born in Timaru in 1917. He attended the Canterbury Coll ...

, artist, art teacher, industrial designer (born 1917) * 25 December –

Patrick O'Farrell Patrick James O'Farrell (17 September 1933 – 25 December 2003) was an historian known for his histories of Roman Catholicism in Australia, Irish history and Irish Australian history. Early life and family O'Farrell was born on 17 Septembe ...

, history academic (born 1933)

References

External links

{{Oceania topic, 2003 in, countries_only=yes

Years of the 21st century in New Zealand 2000s in New Zealand