The following lists events that happened during 1984 in New Zealand. Population Estimated population as of 31 December: 3,293,000 Increase since 31 December 1983: 28,200 (0.86%) Males per 100 Females: 98.3 Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – Elizabeth II Governor-General – The Hon Sir David Beattie GCMG GCVO QSO QC. Government The 40th New Zealand Parliament, led by the National Party, concluded, and in the general election the Labour Party was elected in the 41st New Zealand Parliament. Speaker of the House – Richard Harrison then Basil Arthur Prime Minister – Robert Muldoon then David Lange Deputy Prime Minister – Duncan MacIntyre then Jim McLay then Geoffrey Palmer Minister of Finance – Robert Muldoon then Roger Douglas Minister of Foreign Affairs – Warren Cooper then David Lange Chief Justice – Sir Ronald Davison Parliamentary opposition Leader of the Opposition – David Lange (Labour) until 26 July, then Robert Muldoon (National) until 29 November, then Jim McLay. Social Credit Party – Bruce Beetham until 26 July, then not represented in Parliament. Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – Catherine Tizard Mayor of Hamilton – Ross Jansen Mayor of Wellington – Ian Lawrence Mayor of Christchurch – Hamish Hay Mayor of Dunedin – Cliff Skeggs Events 27 January – A state of emergency is declared in Southland as record rainfall causes flooding which forces the evacuation of 4000 people and leaves damage totalling $55 million. 3–6 February – The fifth Sweetwaters Music Festival is held in Pukekawa, with the satellite Sweetwaters South held in Christchurch on 6 February. 6 February – Te Hikoi ki Waitangi march disrupts Waitangi Day celebrations. 27 March – A suitcase bomb explodes at the Wellington Trades Hall, killing the caretaker, Ernie Abbott. No arrest has been made, see Terrorism in New Zealand. 24 June – New Zealand's first IVF-conceived baby, Amelia Bell, is born at Auckland's National Women's Hospital. 14 July – 1984 general election: The Labour Party, led by David Lange, wins 56 of the 95 seats in the House of Representatives. The Fourth Labour Government is formed, ending 9 years of National rule. 18 July – Government devalues New Zealand dollar by 20 percent. See New Zealand constitutional crisis, 1984. 20 August – New Zealand reestablishes diplomatic relations with Argentina at a consular level. Unknown dates New Zealand signs the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.