The following lists events that happened during 1930 in New Zealand.
Population
Estimated population as of 31 December: 1,506,800. Increase since previous 31 December 1929: 20,700 (1.39%). Males per 100 females: 103.9.
Incumbents
Regal and viceregal
Head of state – George V
Governor-General – General Sir Charles Fergusson Bt GCMG KCB DSO MVO succeeded the same year by The Lord Bledisloe GCMG KBE PC
Government
The 23rd New Zealand Parliament continued with the United Party in power. Speaker of the House – Charles Statham (Independent) Prime Minister – Sir Joseph Ward (United) until 28 May, then George Forbes (United) Minister of Finance – Joseph Ward (United) until 28 May, then George Forbes (United) Minister of Foreign Affairs – Joseph Ward (United) until 28 May, then George Forbes (United). Attorney-General – Thomas Sidey (United) until 22 September, then William Downie Stewart Chief Justice — Sir Michael Myers
Parliamentary opposition
Leader of the Opposition – Gordon Coates (Reform).
Main centre leaders
Mayor of Auckland – George Baildon
Mayor of Wellington – George Troup
Mayor of Christchurch – John Archer
Mayor of Dunedin – Robert Black
Events
August: The Atmore Report on the education system is presented. 4 November: Superhorse Phar Lap wins the Melbourne Cup.
Arts and literature
See 1930 in art, 1930 in literature, :Category:1930 books
Kowhai Gold, an anthology of New Zealand poetry edited by Quentin Pope published in London and New York
Music
See: 1930 in music
Radio
See: Public broadcasting in New Zealand
Film
3 January: The Coubray-tone News- the first New-Zealand made "talkies" (film with sound) – premiered. The Romance of Maoriland
See: :Category:1930 film awards, 1930 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, :Category:1930 films
Sport
British Empire Games
Chess
The 39th National Chess Championship was held in Wanganui, and was won by G. Gunderson of Melbourne.
Cricket
New Zealand's first ever Test matches, a home series of four three-day games against England. Series won 1–0 by England 10,11,13 January Lancaster Park, Christchurch. New Zealand (112 and 131) lost by eight Wickets to England (181 and 66/2). 24,25,27 January Basin Reserve, Wellington. New Zealand (440 and 164/4dec.) drew with England (320 and 107/4). 14,15,17 February Eden Park, Auckland. England (330/4dec.) drew with New Zealand (96/1) (First two days were abandoned due to rain). 21,22,24 February at Eden Park: England (540 and 22/3) drew with New Zealand (387) – this fourth Test was arranged due to the rain washout of the third test.
Golf
The 20th New Zealand Open championship was won by Andrew Shaw, his third title. The 34th National Amateur Championships were held in the Manawatu district Men: H.A. Black (Mirimar) Women: Miss O. Kay
Horse racing
Harness racing
New Zealand Trotting Cup – Wrackler
Auckland Trotting Cup – Carmel
Thoroughbred racing
New Zealand Cup – Nightmarch
Avondale Gold Cup – Prodice
Auckland Cup – Motere
Wellington Cup – Concentrate
New Zealand Derby – Cylinder
Lawn bowls
The national outdoor lawn bowls championships are held in Dunedin. Men's singles champion – F. Lambeth (Balmacewen Bowling Club) Men's pair champions – G.L. Gladding, H. Jenkins (skip) (Carlton Bowling Club) Men's fours champions – E.S. Wilson, L.C. Buist, J. Dowland, D.M. Stuart (skip) (St Kilda Bowling Club)
Rugby union
:Category:Rugby union in New Zealand, :Category:All Blacks
Ranfurly Shield
Rugby league
New Zealand national rugby league team
Soccer
1930 Chatham Cup won by Petone
Provincial league champions: Auckland: YMCA Canterbury: Thistle Hawke's Bay: Whakatu Nelson: Thistle Otago: Seacliff Southland: Corinthians Taranaki: Caledonian Waikato: Pukemiro Wanganui: KP's Wellington: Hospital