The following lists events that happened during 1971 in New Zealand. Population Estimated population as of 31 December: 2,898,500 Increase since 31 December 1970: 46,400 (1.63%) Males per 100 females: 99.7 Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – Elizabeth II Governor-General – Sir Arthur Porritt Bt GCMG GCVO CBE. Government The 36th Parliament of New Zealand continued, with the second National government in power. Speaker of the House – Roy Jack. Prime Minister – Keith Holyoake Deputy Prime Minister – Jack Marshall. Minister of Finance – Robert Muldoon. Minister of Foreign Affairs – Keith Holyoake. Attorney-General – Jack Marshall until 2 February, then Dan Riddiford. Chief Justice — Sir Richard Wild Parliamentary opposition Leader of the Opposition – Norman Kirk (Labour). Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – Dove-Myer Robinson Mayor of Hamilton – Mike Minogue Mayor of Wellington – Frank Kitts Mayor of Christchurch – Ron Guthrey then Neville Pickering Mayor of Dunedin – Jim Barnes Events January February March April The Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter starts production. June July August 18 August – The nation's first Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant opens in Royal Oak, Auckland, beginning a decade of American fast food chains being established in New Zealand. September The Manapouri Power Station, the country's largest hydroelectric facility, is completed. It wouldn't export any electricity until April 1972 when transmission lines to Invercargill were completed. October 25 October – The Christchurch to Dunedin overnight express becomes the last revenue steam locomotive-hauled train service, as the New Zealand Railways completes dieselisation. November December Arts and literature Noel Hilliard wins the Robert Burns Fellowship. See 1971 in art, 1971 in literature, :Category:1971 books Music New Zealand Music Awards Loxene Golden Disc Craig Scott – Smiley Loxene Golden Disc Chapta – Say A Prayer See: 1971 in music Performing arts Benny Award presented by the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand to Pat McMinn OBE. Radio and television In 1971 there was a major breakthrough for international news when the Warkworth Satellite station was opened. The Melbourne Cup was the first live international broadcast, in November. The radio licence fee was abolished, and the television fee set at NZ$20 per year. Feltex Television Awards: Best Programme: Gallery and In View of the Circumstances Best Actor: Bruno Lawrence in Time Out Best Performance as Frontman: Brian Edwards in Post Office Dispute Best Entertainment: Dinah Lee TVPDA Award for Allied Crafts: