The following lists events that happened during 1949 in New Zealand. Most New Zealanders became New Zealand citizens in addition to being British subjects, as the British Nationality and New Zealand Citizenship Act 1948 came into effect. The National government of Sydney Holland was elected in the 1949 New Zealand general election. Population Estimated population as of 31 December: 1,892,100 Increase since 31 December 1948: 38,200 (2.06%) Males per 100 females: 100.7 Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – George VI Governor-General – Lieutenant-General The Lord Freyberg VC GCMG KCB KBE DSO Government The 28th New Zealand Parliament continued. Government was the Labour until after the November general election, which saw it replaced by National Party. Iriaka Rātana (Labour) is the first Māori woman elected to Parliament. Speaker of the House – Robert McKeen Prime Minister – Peter Fraser then Sidney Holland Deputy Prime Minister – Keith Holyoake (from 13 December) Minister of Finance – Walter Nash then Sidney Holland Minister of Foreign Affairs – Peter Fraser then Frederick Doidge Attorney-General – Rex Mason then Clifton Webb Chief Justice – Sir Humphrey O'Leary Parliamentary opposition Leader of the Opposition – Sidney Holland (National Party) until 13 December, then Peter Fraser (Labour). Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – John Allum Mayor of Hamilton – Harold David Caro Mayor of Wellington – Will Appleton Mayor of Christchurch – Ernest Andrews Mayor of Dunedin – Donald Cameron Events 1 January: the status of New Zealand Citizen comes into existence. 9 March: Referendums on gambling (passed) and extending hotel hours (failed). 3 August: Referendum on military training (passed) 29 November: Elections to the four Māori electorates 30 November: General election won by National Party under Sidney Holland Arts and literature See 1949 in art, 1949 in literature, :Category:1949 books Music See: 1949 in music Radio See: Public broadcasting in New Zealand Film See: :Category:1949 film awards, 1949 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, :Category:1949 films Sport Archery National Champions Open Men – W. Burton (Gisborne) Open Women – D. Johnstone (Dunedin) Athletics George Bromley wins his second national title in the men's marathon, clocking 2:40:05.6 in Christchurch. Basketball Interpovincial Champions: Men – Wellington Interpovincial Champions: Women – Palmerston North Chess The 56th National Chess Championship was held in Wanganui, and was won by A.E. Nield of Auckland. Cricket Horse racing Harness racing New Zealand Trotting Cup