The following lists events that happened during 1936 in New Zealand. The shape of New Zealand politics for the next five decades was defined when, in the aftermath of their heavy defeat by Labour, the United and Reform parties merged to form the New Zealand National Party. In the meantime, the Labour government began implementing significant social changes. Population A New Zealand census was held in March 1936. Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – George V (until 20 January), Edward VIII (20 January to 11 December), George VI Governor-General – The Viscount Galway GCMG DSO OBE PC Government The 25th New Zealand Parliament continued with the Labour Party in government. Speaker of the House – Bill Barnard (Labour Party) Prime Minister – Michael Joseph Savage Minister of Finance – Walter Nash Minister of Foreign Affairs – Michael Joseph Savage Attorney-General – Rex Mason Chief Justice – Sir Michael Myers Parliamentary opposition Leader of the Opposition – George Forbes (United/Reform Party until May, then National Party), succeeded in November by Adam Hamilton (National). Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – Ernest Davis Mayor of Wellington – Thomas Hislop Mayor of Christchurch – Dan Sullivan then John Beanland Mayor of Dunedin – Edwin Thomas Cox Events 25 March: First session of the 25th Parliament commences. 11 June: Parliament goes into recess. 21 June: Parliament resumes. 31 October: First session of the 25th Parliament concludes. Arts and literature See 1936 in art, 1936 in literature, :Category:1936 books Music See: 1936 in music Radio Radio broadcasting of sessions of Parliament commences. See: Public broadcasting in New Zealand Film Phar Lap's Son The Wagon and the Star On the Friendly Road See: :Category:1936 film awards, 1936 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, :Category:1936 films Sport Chess The 45th National Chess Championship was held in Christchurch, and was won by A.W. Gyles of Wellington. Golf The 26th New Zealand Open championship was won by Andrew Shaw, his 7th title. The 40th National Amateur Championships were held in New Plymouth Men: J.P. Hornabrook (Manawatu) Women: Miss E. White-Parsons Horse racing Harness racing New Zealand Trotting Cup – Indianapolis (3rd win) Auckland Trotting Cup – King's Warrior Lawn bowls The national outdoor lawn bowls championships are held in Christchurch. Men's singles champion – Frank Livingstone (Onehunga Bowling Club) Men's pair champions – J.W. Turpin, H. Haworth (skip) (Canterbury Bowling Club)