For a comprehensive coverage of the history of individual sports in New Zealand we recommend the Te Ara sports theme.

America's Cup

America's Cup

Some key moments in New Zealand's proud history of competing for the 'Auld Mug' more...

Regional rugby

Regional rugby

Brief histories of each of New Zealand's 26 regional rugby teams more...

1981 Springbok tour

1981 Springbok tour

It was simply called 'The Tour'. For 56 taut days in the winter of 1981, New Zealanders were divided against each other in the largest civil disturbance seen since the 1951 waterfront dispute. more...

The Olympics: 1908–2021

The Olympics: 1908–2021

New Zealand's Olympians have produced plenty of memorable moments since 1908, but the Games have also been marred by boycotts, controversy and tragedy. more...

Natives' Rugby Tour, 1888-89

Natives' Rugby Tour, 1888-89

Discover how the side originally called New Zealand Maori came to be known as the NZ Natives. In 1888, the country's pioneering national sports team toured Britain, playing their first game of rugby on 3 October. more...

New Zealand cricket

New Zealand cricket

A history of cricket in New Zealand, including a list of key moments playing England and Australia. more...

Māori rugby timeline

Māori rugby timeline

A survey of the key moments in Maori rugby to mark the official centenary in 2010 more...

Women's football timeline

Women's football timeline

Timeline of key events and major players of women's football (soccer) in New Zealand to mark the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. more...

1982 Football World Cup

1982 Football World Cup

In 1982 Association Football (soccer)  seized the country’s imagination when the national side – the All Whites – took on the best in the world at the World Cup finals in Spain. more...

Rowing in New Zealand

Rowing in New Zealand

Stories from New Zealand's rich rowing past more...

Sport, 1940-1960

Sport, 1940-1960

The mid 20th century heralded mass participation in sport, the consolidation of high profile national competitions, and greater success at international level. more...

The Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup

Relive some of New Zealand's greatest moments at the horse race that brings the country to a standstill each November more...

1987 Rugby World Cup

1987 Rugby World Cup

The origins of the first Rugby World Cup competition, won by the New Zealand All Blacks in 1987 more...