The following lists events that happened during 1918 in New Zealand. The jubilation over the end of World War I was overshadowed by the Spanish flu pandemic reaching New Zealand. In four months, it is estimated that over 8600 New Zealanders died of the disease and between one third and one half of the population were infected. The death rate for Māori was estimated at 42 per thousand (approx 2,160 deaths) compared to 5.6 per 1000 (6,400 deaths) for European New Zealanders. Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – George V Governor-General – Arthur Foljambe, 2nd Earl of Liverpool Government The 19th New Zealand Parliament continues for a fourth year as a grand coalition led by the Reform Party. Speaker of the House – Frederic Lang (Reform Party) Prime Minister – William Massey (Reform Party) Minister of Finance – Joseph Ward (Liberal Party) Parliamentary opposition Leader of the Opposition – Joseph Ward (Liberal Party). Ward retains the title even though he is part of the coalition government. Judiciary Chief Justice – Sir Robert Stout Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – James Gunson Mayor of Wellington – John Luke Mayor of Christchurch – Henry Holland Mayor of Dunedin – James Clark Events 19–20 March: Raetihi Forest Fire kills 3 and destroys over 150 homes. Early October: The first cases of Spanish flu are recorded in Auckland. 12 October: Troop ship RMS Niagara returns, carrying a number of people ill with influenza. It is not quarantined. William Massey and Joseph Ward are aboard. Although later cited as the cause of the Spanish flu epidemic, 6 persons had already died in the 3 days preceding its arrival. 18 November: Influenza is "hastily" gazetted as a notifiable disease. December: The flu epidemic eases. Over 8600 have died including at least 1260 Māori. 2 December: Aviation Act 1918, to control aviation in New Zealand, is passed by Parliament. Undated Parliament moves into Parliament House although it is not yet completed. Arts and literature See 1918 in art, 1918 in literature, :Category:1918 books Music See: 1918 in music Film See: 1918 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, :Category:1918 films Sport Golf The New Zealand Open championship was not held due to the war. Horse racing Harness racing New Zealand Trotting Cup – Author Dillon Auckland Trotting Cup – Harold Junior Thoroughbred racing New Zealand Cup – Sasanof Auckland