An attempt by high-ranking ministers
Derek Quigley,
Jim McLay, and
Jim Bolger to replace Muldoon as prime minister (known as the "colonels' coup") with the deputy prime minister Talboys collapsed as a result of Talboys' unwillingness to actively campaign against Muldoon.
24 March – A Porirua to Wellington commuter train collides with a diesel shunter on the approach to
Wellington railway station, killing two and injuring 77.[5][6]
A strike at
Kinleith Mill lasted for 80 days, and broke the government's wage and price freeze.
Saturday trading allowed (lifting the 1945 restriction), although Sunday trading by most retail outlets apart from dairies and takeaway food outlets remained banned.[7]
Don Greig wins his first national title in the men's marathon, clocking 2:17:08 on 15 March in
Christchurch, while the first women's championship is won by
Beverley Shingles in 2:44:48.
Auckland defend the
Ranfurly Shield against five challengers (Horowhenua 37–3, King Country 29–3, Poverty Bay 19–12, Southland 25–3, and Otago 43—13) before losing to Waikato 3–7. Waikato then beat Thames Valley 16—7 and Taranaki 15—0 to retain the shield at the end of the season.[12]
An attempt by high-ranking ministers
Derek Quigley,
Jim McLay, and
Jim Bolger to replace Muldoon as prime minister (known as the "colonels' coup") with the deputy prime minister Talboys collapsed as a result of Talboys' unwillingness to actively campaign against Muldoon.
24 March – A Porirua to Wellington commuter train collides with a diesel shunter on the approach to
Wellington railway station, killing two and injuring 77.[5][6]
A strike at
Kinleith Mill lasted for 80 days, and broke the government's wage and price freeze.
Saturday trading allowed (lifting the 1945 restriction), although Sunday trading by most retail outlets apart from dairies and takeaway food outlets remained banned.[7]
Don Greig wins his first national title in the men's marathon, clocking 2:17:08 on 15 March in
Christchurch, while the first women's championship is won by
Beverley Shingles in 2:44:48.
Auckland defend the
Ranfurly Shield against five challengers (Horowhenua 37–3, King Country 29–3, Poverty Bay 19–12, Southland 25–3, and Otago 43—13) before losing to Waikato 3–7. Waikato then beat Thames Valley 16—7 and Taranaki 15—0 to retain the shield at the end of the season.[12]