November: the first Network News bulletin was read at 7.35 pm by Dougal Stevenson and received simultaneously around the country See: 1969 in New Zealand television, 1969 in television, List of TVNZ television programming, Public broadcasting in New Zealand :Category:Television in New Zealand, :Category:New Zealand television shows. Film See: :Category:1969 film awards, 1969 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, :Category:1969 films Performing arts Grand Master of Magic Award established and presented to Edgar (The Great) Benyon. Benny Award established by the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand and presented to Edgar (The Great) Benyon. Sport Athletics Track events within New Zealand switch from imperial to metric distances. Field events would switch later in 1972. Jeff Julian wins his third national title in the men's marathon, clocking 2:19:07.6 on 8 March in Christchurch. Chess The 76th National Chess Championship is held in Wellington, and the title is shared by B.R. Anderson of Christchurch and Ortvin Sarapu of Auckland. Horse racing Harness racing New Zealand Trotting Cup: Spry Auckland Trotting Cup: Leading Light Shooting Ballinger Belt – Ian Ballinger (Sydenham) Soccer The Chatham Cup is won by Eastern Suburbs who beat New Brighton 2–0 in the final. Teams in the Northern and Central leagues were playing for places in the planned 1970 National league, with the top three in each league being promoted. The Southern League would be represented by Christchurch United, a new club backed by Christchurch City, Shamrock, Rangers and Christchurch Technical, who would continue to play independently in the Southern League. Northern League premier division (Thompson Shield) won by Mt Wellington. Central League won by Western Suburbs FC Southern League First Division won by Christchurch Technical Births 5 January: David Dixon, American football player 20 January: Blair Larsen, rugby player 27 January: Shane Thomson, cricketer 23 February: Michael Campbell, golfer 24 April: Tony Tuimavave, rugby league player 3 May: Chris Zoricich, soccer player 25 June: Liza Hunter-Galvan, long-distance runner 3 July (in Florida, USA): Leonard King, basketball player 26 July: Tony Tatupu, rugby league player 27 July: Brendon Pongia, basketballer and television presenter 6 August: Simon Doull, cricketer 6 September: Doug Pirini, decathlete 9 September: Rachel Hunter, model 10 September: Craig Innes, rugby footballer 6 October: Kirsten Smith, javelin thrower 10 October: Scott Nelson, race walker 13 October: Hugh McCutcheon, volleyball player and coach 11 November: Michael Owens, cricketer 20 November: Chris Harris,