1888 in New Zealand

The following lists events that happened during 1888 in New Zealand.
Incumbents.
Government and law.
The 10th New Zealand Parliament continues.
Sport.
Athletics.
The first New Zealand Championships are held.
National Champions, Men.
Source:
Horse racing.
The Auckland Cup of 1887 is moved to January 1888. Future Auckland Cup's are normally scheduled for New Year's Day.
Polo.
The first polo club in New Zealand is formed in Auckland.
Rowing.
National Championships are held for the first time. They are held at separate venues; the single sculls in Wellington, the coxed fours in Wanganui. From the following year the Championships will be held at a single venue.
Rugby union.
The South Canterbury, Wanganui and Marlborough unions are formed.
The first ever British Isles rugby team tour takes place, visiting New Zealand and Australia. The visitors win all their New Zealand games except for one, losing to Auckland.
The first New Zealand Native team to visit Britain leaves at the end of the year.
Shooting.
Ballinger Belt – Hon Major Purnell (NZ Volunteers)
Tennis.
National championships