The following lists events that happened during 1928 in New Zealand. Population Estimated population as of 31 December: 1,467,400 Increase since previous 31 December 1927: 17,000 (1.17%) Males per 100 females: 104.2 Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of state – George V Governor-General – Charles Fergusson Government The 22nd New Zealand Parliament concluded. Speaker of the House – Charles Statham (Independent) Prime Minister – Gordon Coates (Reform) until 10 December, then Joseph Ward (United) Minister of Finance – William Downie Stewart (Reform) until 10 December, then Joseph Ward (United) Minister of Foreign Affairs – Gordon Coates (Reform) until 10 December, then Joseph Ward (United) Parliamentary opposition Leader of the Opposition – Harry Holland (Labour) until 18 October, then Joseph Ward (United) from 4 to 10 December, then Gordon Coates (Reform). Judiciary Chief Justice – Sir Charles Skerrett Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – George Baildon Mayor of Wellington – George Troup Mayor of Christchurch – John Archer Mayor of Dunedin – William Taverner Events New Zealand signs its first bilateral trade agreement, with Japan. 10 January: George Hood and John Moncrieff attempt the first flight from Australia to New Zealand in an aircraft named Aotearoa, but radio signals cease after 12 hours and they are never seen again. 14 July: The schooner Isabella de Fraine capsizes on the bar at the entrance to Hokianga harbour, with the loss of all eight crew. 24 October: The Weekly Press stops publishing. The magazine started in 1865. Arts and literature See 1928 in art, 1928 in literature, :Category:1928 books Music See: 1928 in music Radio See: Public broadcasting in New Zealand Film Taranga / Under the Southern Cross / The Devil's Pit See: :Category:1928 film awards, 1928 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, :Category:1928 films Sport Badminton National champions Men's singles: T. Kelly Women's singles: E. Hetley Men's doubles: R. Creed-Meredith and L. Wilson Women's doubles: E. Hetley and F. Harvey Mixed doubles: Mr and Mrs E. Dart Chess The 37th National Chess Championship was held in Christchurch, and was won by A.W.O. Davies of Auckland, his fourth title. Golf The 18th New Zealand Open championship was won by Sloan Morpeth, an amateur. The 32nd National Amateur Championships were held in Otago Men: T.H. Horton (Masterton) - 2nd title Women: Mrs ? Chrystal Horse racing Harness racing New Zealand Trotting Cup – Peter Bingen Auckland Trotting