The following lists events that happened during 1914 in New Zealand. New Zealand showed no hesitation in emulating Britain's declaration of war on Germany and entering World War I. New Zealand troops became the first to occupy German territory when they took over Samoa in November. Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – George V Governor – Arthur Foljambe, 2nd Earl of Liverpool Government The 18th New Zealand Parliament concludes, and the Reform Party is returned for its second term of office following the 1914 general election on 10 December. Speaker of the House – Frederic Lang (Reform Party) Prime Minister – William Massey Minister of Finance – James Allen Parliamentary opposition Leader of the Opposition – Joseph Ward (Liberal Party). Judiciary Chief Justice – Sir Robert Stout Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – James Parr Mayor of Wellington – John Luke Mayor of Christchurch – Henry Holland Mayor of Dunedin – William Downie Stewart Jr, then John Shacklock Events 17 January – Joseph Hammond is the first person to fly over Auckland city. He flies a Blériot monoplane (named Brittania) which has been donated to the New Zealand Government by the Imperial Air Fleet Committee, from Potter's Park (near One Tree Hill). 20 February – James William Humphrys Scotland makes the first substantial cross-country flight in New Zealand. He flies from Invercargill to Gore, a distance of , in 40 minutes in a Caudron biplane. He continues on to Dunedin, Timaru and Christchurch where he arrives on 6 March. 18 April – The Auckland Exhibition closes. 4 August – New Zealand declares war on Germany. 29 August – 1374 New Zealand troops land in Samoa and are offered no resistance by German colonial forces. This is the second German territory (after Togoland) to be captured by the Allies. 25 September – The departure of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force (NZEF) for Europe is delayed due to concerns about the presence of German raiders. 16 October – The main body of the NZEF, some 8000 troops, finally departs New Zealand for Australia where they will join with the First AIF. 1 November – The 38 ships carrying the NZEF (10 ships) and the AIF (28 ships) leave Perth, Western Australia. Although expecting to sail to England, they will receive orders to land in Egypt while crossing the Indian Ocean. Early December – The NZEF and AIF land in