The following events occurred in New Zealand in the year 1988.

Population

Incumbents

Regal and viceregal

Government

The 42nd New Zealand Parliament continued. The fourth Labour Party government was in power.

Parliamentary opposition

Main centre leaders

Events

Arts and literature

See 1988 in art, 1988 in literature, Category:1988 books

Music

New Zealand Music Awards

Winners are shown first with nominees underneath. See: 1988 in music

Performing arts

Radio and television

See: 1988 in New Zealand television, 1988 in television, List of TVNZ television programming, Category:Television in New Zealand, TV3 (New Zealand), Category:New Zealand television shows, Public broadcasting in New Zealand

Programme debuts

Film

See: Category:1988 film awards, 1988 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, Category:1988 films

Internet

See: NZ Internet History

Sport

Athletics

Horse racing

Harness racing

Olympic Games

Summer Olympics

Winter Olympics

Paralympic Games

Summer Paralympics

Winter Paralympics

Rugby

League

Union

Shooting

Soccer

Births

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Exact date unknown

Deaths

January–February

March–April

May–June

July–August

September–October

November–December