The following lists events that happened during 2005 in New Zealand. At the beginning of 2005, the news was dominated by the recent "Boxing Day Tsunami". New Zealanders gave time and $25 million (money and goods) for relief in the areas affected. The Foreshore and seabed legislation came into effect and was criticised by a UN committee. The general election was the first contested by the Māori Party and Destiny New Zealand. It resulted in the continuation of the Fifth Labour Government of New Zealand. Population Estimated population as of 31 December: 4,161,000 Increase since 31 December 2004: 46,600 (1.13%) Males per 100 Females: 96.0 Incumbents Regal and viceregal Head of State – Elizabeth II Governor-General – Dame Silvia Cartwright Government The 47th New Zealand Parliament continued. Government was a coalition between Labour and the Progressives, with United Future supporting supply votes. At the 17 September election, the government arrangements changed considerably. The Labour-Progressive government is now supported by New Zealand First and United Future, both with their leader as a minister outside Cabinet. Speaker of the House – Jonathan Hunt (Labour) then Margaret Wilson (Labour) Prime Minister – Helen Clark (Labour) Deputy Prime Minister – Michael Cullen (Labour) Minister of Finance – Michael Cullen (Labour) Minister of Foreign Affairs during the 47th Parliament – Phil Goff (Labour) Non-Labour ministers Jim Anderton (Progressives) (within Cabinet) Winston Peters (New Zealand First) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Racing and Associate Minister of Senior Citizens during the 48th Parliament (outside Cabinet) Peter Dunne (United Future), Minister of Revenue and Associate Minister of Health during the 48th Parliament (outside Cabinet) Opposition leaders National – Don Brash (Leader of the Opposition) Greens – Jeanette Fitzsimons and Rod Donald (until his death in November) Act – Rodney Hide New Zealand First – Winston Peters United Future – Peter Dunne Māori Party – Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples Judiciary Chief Justice — Sian Elias Main centre leaders Mayor of Auckland – Dick Hubbard Mayor of Tauranga – Stuart Crosby Mayor of Hamilton – Michael Redman Mayor of Wellington – Kerry Prendergast Mayor of Christchurch – Garry Moore Mayor of Dunedin – Peter Chin Events January 16 January: National day of mourning for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, including one minute's silence at 2:59 pm, exactly three weeks after the event. 17 January: The Foreshore and seabed legislation comes into effect. 25 January: Opposition leader