The following lists events that happened during 2018 in New Zealand. Population Estimated population as of 31 December 2018 – 4,886,100 Increase since 31 December 2017 – 80,700 (1.68%) Males per 100 females – 96.8 Incumbents Regal and vice-regal Head of State – Elizabeth II Governor-General – Patsy Reddy Government 2018 is the first full year of the 52nd Parliament, which first sat on 7 November 2017. The Sixth Labour Government, elected in 2017, continues. Speaker of the House – Trevor Mallard Prime Minister – Jacinda Ardern Deputy Prime Minister – Winston Peters Leader of the House – Chris Hipkins Minister of Finance – Grant Robertson Minister of Foreign Affairs – Winston Peters Other party leaders National – Bill English until 27 February, then Simon Bridges (Leader of the Opposition) New Zealand First – Winston Peters Green – James Shaw and, from 8 April, Marama Davidson ACT New Zealand – David Seymour Judiciary Chief Justice – Sian Elias Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – Phil Goff Mayor of Tauranga – Greg Brownless Mayor of Hamilton – Andrew King Mayor of Wellington – Justin Lester Mayor of Christchurch – Lianne Dalziel Mayor of Dunedin – Dave Cull Events February 3 February - Murder of Amber-Rose Rush, a Dunedin teenager. A doctor named Venod Skantha is charged with her murder. March 6 March – The 2018 New Zealand census is held. May 11 May – A wave of about height, the highest ever recorded, is observed near Campbell Island south of New Zealand; the previous record wave in 2012 was about . 17 May – The 2018 New Zealand budget is presented to Parlimanet by the Minister of Finance, Grant Robertson. June 4 June – The 2018 Queen's Birthday Honours are announced. 9 June – The Northcote by-election is won by National, who retain the seat. August 15 August – Parliament passes the Overseas Investment Amendment Act 2018, which bans the sale of existing homes to most non-resident foreigners December 1 or 2 December – Murder of Grace Millane, a British tourist. A 26-year-old man is charged with her murder on 8 December. 31 December – The 2019 New Year Honours are announced. Sport Commonwealth Games New Zealand sends a team of 253 competitors in 17 sports. Olympic Games New Zealand sends a team of 21 competitors in five sports. Paralympic Games New Zealand sends a team of three competitors in