# List of number-one singles from the 1980s (New Zealand)

The following lists the number-one singles on the New Zealand Singles Chart during the 1980s. The source for this decade is the Recorded Music NZ chart, the chart history of which can be found on the Recorded Music NZ website or Charts.nz.
A total of 150 singles topped the chart in the 1980s, including 20 by New Zealand artists. Three artists had three or more number-one singles; the most successful was U2, who spent 19 weeks at number one with five different singles. UB40 and Stevie Wonder reached number one three times, and two New Zealand acts topped the chart more than once this decade: Jon Stevens and Tex Pistol.
Two songs spent nine weeks at number one during the 1980s. The first was "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" by French pop duo Ottawan in 1981, and the second was "Sailing Away" by New Zealand supergroup All of Us in 1986. Not counting Jon Stevens' "Jezebel", which reached number one in 1979, four singles topped the chart for eight weeks this decade: "Shaddap You Face" by Joe Dolce Music Theatre, "How Great Thou Art" by Howard Morrison, "I Just Called to Say I Love You" by Stevie Wonder, and "Slice of Heaven" by Dave Dobbyn and Herbs.
Key
    * – Number-one single of the year
    † – Song of New Zealand origin
    ‡ – Number-one single of the year, of New Zealand origin

## Contents

* ← 1979
* 1980
* 1981
* 1982
* 1983
* 1984
* 1985
* 1986
* 1987
* 1988
* 1989
* 1990s →

## 1980

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 6 January | Jon Stevens | "Jezebel" | 8 weeks (5 in 1979) |
| 13 January | Jon Stevens | "Jezebel" | 8 weeks (5 in 1979) |
| 20 January | Jon Stevens | "Jezebel" | 8 weeks (5 in 1979) |
| 27 January | Jon Stevens | "Montego Bay" | 2 weeks |
| 3 February | Jon Stevens | "Montego Bay" | 2 weeks |
| 10 February | Pink Floyd | "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" | 5 weeks |
| 17 February | Pink Floyd | "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" | 5 weeks |
| 24 February | Pink Floyd | "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" | 5 weeks |
| 2 March | Pink Floyd | "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" | 5 weeks |
| 9 March | Pink Floyd | "Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)" | 5 weeks |
| 16 March | Split Enz | "I Got You" | 3 weeks |
| 23 March | Split Enz | "I Got You" | 3 weeks |
| 30 March | Split Enz | "I Got You" | 3 weeks |
| 6 April | Ry Cooder | "Little Sister" | 2 weeks |
| 13 April | Ry Cooder | "Little Sister" | 2 weeks |
| 20 April | Smokey Robinson | "Cruisin'" | 4 weeks |
| 27 April | Smokey Robinson | "Cruisin'" | 4 weeks |
| 4 May | Smokey Robinson | "Cruisin'" | 4 weeks |
| 11 May | Smokey Robinson | "Cruisin'" | 4 weeks |
| 18 May | Dr. Hook | "Sexy Eyes" | 1 week |
| 25 May | Peaches & Herb | "I Pledge My Love" | 1 week |
| 1 June | The Brothers Johnson | "Stomp!" | 6 weeks |
| 8 June | The Brothers Johnson | "Stomp!" | 6 weeks |
| 15 June | The Brothers Johnson | "Stomp!" | 6 weeks |
| 22 June | The Brothers Johnson | "Stomp!" | 6 weeks |
| 29 June | The Brothers Johnson | "Stomp!" | 6 weeks |
| 6 July | The Brothers Johnson | "Stomp!" | 6 weeks |
| 13 July | Lipps Inc. | "Funkytown" | 1 week |
| 20 July | Ritz | "Locomotion" | 7 weeks |
| 27 July | Ritz | "Locomotion" | 7 weeks |
| 3 August | Ritz | "Locomotion" | 7 weeks |
| 10 August | Ritz | "Locomotion" | 7 weeks |
| 17 August | Matchbox | "Rockabilly Rebel" | 1 week |
| 24 August | Ritz | "Locomotion" | 7 weeks |
| 31 August | Ritz | "Locomotion" | 7 weeks |
| 7 September | Ritz | "Locomotion" | 7 weeks |
| 14 September | UB40 | "Food for Thought" | 4 weeks |
| 21 September | UB40 | "Food for Thought" | 4 weeks |
| 28 September | UB40 | "Food for Thought" | 4 weeks |
| 5 October | UB40 | "Food for Thought" | 4 weeks |
| 12 October | Diana Ross | "Upside Down" | 3 weeks |
| 19 October | Diana Ross | "Upside Down" | 3 weeks |
| 26 October | Diana Ross | "Upside Down" | 3 weeks |
| 2 November | Stevie Wonder | "Master Blaster (Jammin')" | 4 weeks |
| 9 November | Stevie Wonder | "Master Blaster (Jammin')" | 4 weeks |
| 16 November | Stevie Wonder | "Master Blaster (Jammin')" | 4 weeks |
| 23 November | Stevie Wonder | "Master Blaster (Jammin')" | 4 weeks |
| 30 November | The Pointer Sisters | "He's So Shy" | 3 weeks |
| 7 December | The Pointer Sisters | "He's So Shy" | 3 weeks |
| 14 December | The Pointer Sisters | "He's So Shy" | 3 weeks |
| 21 December | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | "Shaddap You Face" | 8 weeks |
| 28 December | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | "Shaddap You Face" | 8 weeks |

## 1981

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 4 January | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | "Shaddap You Face" | 8 weeks |
| 11 January | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | "Shaddap You Face" | 8 weeks |
| 18 January | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | "Shaddap You Face" | 8 weeks |
| 25 January | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | "Shaddap You Face" | 8 weeks |
| 1 February | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | "Shaddap You Face" | 8 weeks |
| 8 February | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | "Shaddap You Face" | 8 weeks |
| 15 February | Blondie | "The Tide Is High" | 2 weeks |
| 22 February | Blondie | "The Tide Is High" | 2 weeks |
| 1 March | John Lennon | "Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 8 March | John Lennon | "Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 15 March | John Lennon | "Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 22 March | John Lennon | "Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 29 March | John Lennon | "Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 5 April | Deane Waretini | "The Bridge" | 3 weeks |
| 12 April | The Swingers | "Counting the Beat" | 3 weeks |
| 19 April | Deane Waretini | "The Bridge" | 3 weeks |
| 26 April | Deane Waretini | "The Bridge" | 3 weeks |
| 3 May | The Swingers | "Counting the Beat" | 3 weeks |
| 10 May | The Swingers | "Counting the Beat" | 3 weeks |
| 17 May | Smokey Robinson | "Being with You" | 4 weeks |
| 24 May | Smokey Robinson | "Being with You" | 4 weeks |
| 31 May | Smokey Robinson | "Being with You" | 4 weeks |
| 7 June | Smokey Robinson | "Being with You" | 4 weeks |
| 14 June | Sheena Easton | "Morning Train (9 to 5)" | 1 week |
| 21 June | Joy Division | "Love Will Tear Us Apart" | 1 week |
| 28 June | Stars on 45 | "Stars on 45" | 7 weeks |
| 5 July | Stars on 45 | "Stars on 45" | 7 weeks |
| 12 July | Stars on 45 | "Stars on 45" | 7 weeks |
| 19 July | Stars on 45 | "Stars on 45" | 7 weeks |
| 26 July | Stars on 45 | "Stars on 45" | 7 weeks |
| 2 August | Stars on 45 | "Stars on 45" | 7 weeks |
| 9 August | Stars on 45 | "Stars on 45" | 7 weeks |
| 16 August | Joy Division | "Atmosphere" | 1 week |
| 23 August | Kool & the Gang | "Celebration" | 3 weeks |
| 30 August | Screaming Meemees | "See Me Go" | 1 week |
| 6 September | Kool & the Gang | "Celebration" | 3 weeks |
| 13 September | Kool & the Gang | "Celebration" | 3 weeks |
| 20 September | Billy Field | "Bad Habits" | 2 weeks |
| 27 September | Billy Field | "Bad Habits" | 2 weeks |
| 4 October | Commodores | "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" | 1 week |
| 11 October | Joey Scarbury | "Theme from The Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)" | 3 weeks |
| 18 October | Joey Scarbury | "Theme from The Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)" | 3 weeks |
| 25 October | Joey Scarbury | "Theme from The Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)" | 3 weeks |
| 1 November | Renée Geyer | "Say I Love You" | 5 weeks |
| 8 November | Renée Geyer | "Say I Love You" | 5 weeks |
| 15 November | Renée Geyer | "Say I Love You" | 5 weeks |
| 22 November | Renée Geyer | "Say I Love You" | 5 weeks |
| 29 November | Renée Geyer | "Say I Love You" | 5 weeks |
| 6 December | Olivia Newton-John | "Physical" | 3 weeks |
| 13 December | Olivia Newton-John | "Physical" | 3 weeks |
| 20 December | Howard Morrison | "How Great Thou Art" | 8 weeks |
| 27 December | Howard Morrison | "How Great Thou Art" | 8 weeks |

## 1982

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 3 January | Howard Morrison | "How Great Thou Art" | 8 weeks |
| 10 January | Howard Morrison | "How Great Thou Art" | 8 weeks |
| 17 January | Howard Morrison | "How Great Thou Art" | 8 weeks |
| 24 January | Olivia Newton-John | "Physical" | 3 weeks |
| 31 January | Howard Morrison | "How Great Thou Art" | 8 weeks |
| 7 February | Dave Stewart and Barbara Gaskin | "It's My Party" | 1 week |
| 14 February | Howard Morrison | "How Great Thou Art" | 8 weeks |
| 21 February | Men at Work | "Down Under" | 2 weeks |
| 28 February | Howard Morrison | "How Great Thou Art" | 8 weeks |
| 7 March | Men at Work | "Down Under" | 2 weeks |
| 14 March | Ottawan | "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | 9 weeks |
| 21 March | Ottawan | "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | 9 weeks |
| 28 March | Ottawan | "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | 9 weeks |
| 4 April | Ottawan | "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | 9 weeks |
| 11 April | Ottawan | "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | 9 weeks |
| 18 April | Ottawan | "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | 9 weeks |
| 25 April | Ottawan | "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | 9 weeks |
| 2 May | Ottawan | "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | 9 weeks |
| 9 May | Ottawan | "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | 9 weeks |
| 16 May | The Human League | "Don't You Want Me" | 5 weeks |
| 23 May | The Human League | "Don't You Want Me" | 5 weeks |
| 30 May | The Human League | "Don't You Want Me" | 5 weeks |
| 6 June | The Human League | "Don't You Want Me" | 5 weeks |
| 13 June | The Human League | "Don't You Want Me" | 5 weeks |
| 20 June | Joan Jett & the Blackhearts | "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" | 4 weeks |
| 27 June | Joan Jett & the Blackhearts | "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" | 4 weeks |
| 4 July | Joan Jett & the Blackhearts | "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" | 4 weeks |
| 11 July | Joan Jett & the Blackhearts | "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" | 4 weeks |
| 18 July | Prince Tui Teka | "E Ipo" | 2 weeks |
| 25 July | Prince Tui Teka | "E Ipo" | 2 weeks |
| 1 August | Toots and the Maytals | "Beautiful Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 8 August | Toots and the Maytals | "Beautiful Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 15 August | Toots and the Maytals | "Beautiful Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 22 August | Toots and the Maytals | "Beautiful Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 29 August | Toots and the Maytals | "Beautiful Woman" | 5 weeks |
| 5 September | David Bowie | "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" | 3 weeks |
| 12 September | David Bowie | "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" | 3 weeks |
| 19 September | David Bowie | "Cat People (Putting Out Fire)" | 3 weeks |
| 26 September | Irene Cara | "Fame" | 3 weeks |
| 3 October | Irene Cara | "Fame" | 3 weeks |
| 10 October | Irene Cara | "Fame" | 3 weeks |
| 17 October | Trio | "Da Da Da" | 3 weeks |
| 24 October | Trio | "Da Da Da" | 3 weeks |
| 31 October | Trio | "Da Da Da" | 3 weeks |
| 7 November | Dexys Midnight Runners | "Come On Eileen" | 4 weeks |
| 14 November | Dexys Midnight Runners | "Come On Eileen" | 4 weeks |
| 21 November | Dexys Midnight Runners | "Come On Eileen" | 4 weeks |
| 28 November | Dexys Midnight Runners | "Come On Eileen" | 4 weeks |
| 5 December | Musical Youth | "Pass the Dutchie" | 7 weeks |
| 12 December | Musical Youth | "Pass the Dutchie" | 7 weeks |
| 19 December | Musical Youth | "Pass the Dutchie" | 7 weeks |
| 26 December | Musical Youth | "Pass the Dutchie" | 7 weeks |

## 1983

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 2 January | Musical Youth | "Pass the Dutchie" | 7 weeks |
| 9 January | Musical Youth | "Pass the Dutchie" | 7 weeks |
| 16 January | Musical Youth | "Pass the Dutchie" | 7 weeks |
| 23 January | Marvin Gaye | "Sexual Healing" | 6 weeks |
| 30 January | Marvin Gaye | "Sexual Healing" | 6 weeks |
| 6 February | Marvin Gaye | "Sexual Healing" | 6 weeks |
| 13 February | Marvin Gaye | "Sexual Healing" | 6 weeks |
| 20 February | Marvin Gaye | "Sexual Healing" | 6 weeks |
| 27 February | Marvin Gaye | "Sexual Healing" | 6 weeks |
| 6 March | Eddy Grant | "I Don't Wanna Dance" | 2 weeks |
| 13 March | Eddy Grant | "I Don't Wanna Dance" | 2 weeks |
| 20 March | Dire Straits | "Twisting by the Pool" | 5 weeks |
| 27 March | Dire Straits | "Twisting by the Pool" | 5 weeks |
| 3 April | Dire Straits | "Twisting by the Pool" | 5 weeks |
| 10 April | Dire Straits | "Twisting by the Pool" | 5 weeks |
| 17 April | Dire Straits | "Twisting by the Pool" | 5 weeks |
| 24 April | David Bowie | "Let's Dance" | 5 weeks |
| 1 May | David Bowie | "Let's Dance" | 5 weeks |
| 8 May | David Bowie | "Let's Dance" | 5 weeks |
| 15 May | David Bowie | "Let's Dance" | 5 weeks |
| 22 May | David Bowie | "Let's Dance" | 5 weeks |
| 29 May | Michael Jackson | "Beat It" | 5 weeks |
| 5 June | Michael Jackson | "Beat It" | 5 weeks |
| 12 June | Michael Jackson | "Beat It" | 5 weeks |
| 19 June | Michael Jackson | "Beat It" | 5 weeks |
| 26 June | Michael Jackson | "Beat It" | 5 weeks |
| 3 July | Bonnie Tyler | "Total Eclipse of the Heart" | 4 weeks |
| 10 July | Bonnie Tyler | "Total Eclipse of the Heart" | 4 weeks |
| 17 July | Bonnie Tyler | "Total Eclipse of the Heart" | 4 weeks |
| 24 July | Bonnie Tyler | "Total Eclipse of the Heart" | 4 weeks |
| 31 July | Irene Cara | "Flashdance... What a Feeling" | 6 weeks |
| 7 August | Irene Cara | "Flashdance... What a Feeling" | 6 weeks |
| 14 August | Irene Cara | "Flashdance... What a Feeling" | 6 weeks |
| 21 August | Irene Cara | "Flashdance... What a Feeling" | 6 weeks |
| 28 August | Irene Cara | "Flashdance... What a Feeling" | 6 weeks |
| 4 September | Irene Cara | "Flashdance... What a Feeling" | 6 weeks |
| 11 September | Dave and the Dynamos | "Life Begins at Forty" | 3 weeks |
| 18 September | Dave and the Dynamos | "Life Begins at Forty" | 3 weeks |
| 25 September | Dave and the Dynamos | "Life Begins at Forty" | 3 weeks |
| 2 October | Real Life | "Send Me an Angel" | 1 week |
| 9 October | Taco | "Puttin' On the Ritz" | 2 weeks |
| 16 October | Taco | "Puttin' On the Ritz" | 2 weeks |
| 23 October | UB40 | "Red Red Wine" | 1 week |
| 30 October | Culture Club | "Karma Chameleon" | 6 weeks |
| 6 November | Culture Club | "Karma Chameleon" | 6 weeks |
| 13 November | Culture Club | "Karma Chameleon" | 6 weeks |
| 20 November | Culture Club | "Karma Chameleon" | 6 weeks |
| 27 November | Culture Club | "Karma Chameleon" | 6 weeks |
| 4 December | Culture Club | "Karma Chameleon" | 6 weeks |
| 11 December | Billy Joel | "Uptown Girl" | 7 weeks |
| 18 December | Billy Joel | "Uptown Girl" | 7 weeks |
| 25 December | Billy Joel | "Uptown Girl" | 7 weeks |
Note: The highest-selling single of New Zealand in 1983 was New Order's "Blue Monday", which peaked at number two for two weeks behind Michael Jackson's "Beat It".

## 1984

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 1 January | Billy Joel | "Uptown Girl" | 7 weeks |
| 8 January | Billy Joel | "Uptown Girl" | 7 weeks |
| 15 January | Billy Joel | "Uptown Girl" | 7 weeks |
| 22 January | Billy Joel | "Uptown Girl" | 7 weeks |
| 29 January | Paul Young | "Come Back and Stay" | 1 week |
| 5 February | Simple Minds | "Waterfront" | 2 weeks |
| 12 February | Simple Minds | "Waterfront" | 2 weeks |
| 19 February | Foster and Allen | "Maggie" | 4 weeks |
| 26 February | Foster and Allen | "Maggie" | 4 weeks |
| 4 March | Foster and Allen | "Maggie" | 4 weeks |
| 11 March | Foster and Allen | "Maggie" | 4 weeks |
| 18 March | Patea Maori Club | "Poi E" | 4 weeks |
| 25 March | Patea Maori Club | "Poi E" | 4 weeks |
| 1 April | Patea Maori Club | "Poi E" | 4 weeks |
| 8 April | Patea Maori Club | "Poi E" | 4 weeks |
| 15 April | Nena | "99 Luftballons" | 1 week |
| 22 April | Jimmy Cliff | "Reggae Night" | 2 weeks |
| 29 April | Jimmy Cliff | "Reggae Night" | 2 weeks |
| 6 May | Cyndi Lauper | "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" | 3 weeks |
| 13 May | Cyndi Lauper | "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" | 3 weeks |
| 20 May | Cyndi Lauper | "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" | 3 weeks |
| 27 May | Lionel Richie | "Hello" | 1 week |
| 3 June | Kenny Loggins | "Footloose" | 4 weeks |
| 10 June | Kenny Loggins | "Footloose" | 4 weeks |
| 17 June | Kenny Loggins | "Footloose" | 4 weeks |
| 24 June | Kenny Loggins | "Footloose" | 4 weeks |
| 1 July | Time Bandits | "I'm Only Shooting Love" | 1 week |
| 8 July | The Special A.K.A. | "Nelson Mandela" | 3 weeks |
| 15 July | The Special A.K.A. | "Nelson Mandela" | 3 weeks |
| 22 July | The Special A.K.A. | "Nelson Mandela" | 3 weeks |
| 29 July | Bob Marley and the Wailers | "One Love/People Get Ready" | 7 weeks |
| 5 August | Bob Marley and the Wailers | "One Love/People Get Ready" | 7 weeks |
| 12 August | Bob Marley and the Wailers | "One Love/People Get Ready" | 7 weeks |
| 19 August | Bob Marley and the Wailers | "One Love/People Get Ready" | 7 weeks |
| 26 August | Bob Marley and the Wailers | "One Love/People Get Ready" | 7 weeks |
| 2 September | Bob Marley and the Wailers | "One Love/People Get Ready" | 7 weeks |
| 9 September | Bob Marley and the Wailers | "One Love/People Get Ready" | 7 weeks |
| 16 September | Frankie Goes to Hollywood | "Two Tribes" | 3 weeks |
| 23 September | Frankie Goes to Hollywood | "Two Tribes" | 3 weeks |
| 30 September | Frankie Goes to Hollywood | "Two Tribes" | 3 weeks |
| 7 October | U2 | "Pride (In the Name of Love)" | 1 week |
| 14 October | Stevie Wonder | "I Just Called to Say I Love You" | 8 weeks |
| 21 October | Stevie Wonder | "I Just Called to Say I Love You" | 8 weeks |
| 28 October | Stevie Wonder | "I Just Called to Say I Love You" | 8 weeks |
| 4 November | Stevie Wonder | "I Just Called to Say I Love You" | 8 weeks |
| 11 November | Stevie Wonder | "I Just Called to Say I Love You" | 8 weeks |
| 18 November | Stevie Wonder | "I Just Called to Say I Love You" | 8 weeks |
| 25 November | Stevie Wonder | "I Just Called to Say I Love You" | 8 weeks |
| 2 December | Stevie Wonder | "I Just Called to Say I Love You" | 8 weeks |
| 9 December | Billy Ocean | "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" | 6 weeks |
| 16 December | Billy Ocean | "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" | 6 weeks |
| 23 December | Billy Ocean | "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" | 6 weeks |
| 30 December | Billy Ocean | "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" | 6 weeks |

## 1985

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 6 January | Billy Ocean | "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" | 6 weeks |
| 13 January | Billy Ocean | "Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)" | 6 weeks |
| 20 January | Band Aid | "Do They Know It's Christmas?" | 4 weeks |
| 27 January | Band Aid | "Do They Know It's Christmas?" | 4 weeks |
| 3 February | Band Aid | "Do They Know It's Christmas?" | 4 weeks |
| 10 February | Band Aid | "Do They Know It's Christmas?" | 4 weeks |
| 17 February | Foreigner | "I Want to Know What Love Is" | 3 weeks |
| 24 February | Bruce Springsteen | "Born in the U.S.A." | 1 week |
| 3 March | Foreigner | "I Want to Know What Love Is" | 3 weeks |
| 10 March | Foreigner | "I Want to Know What Love Is" | 3 weeks |
| 17 March | Ashford & Simpson | "Solid" | 2 weeks |
| 24 March | Ashford & Simpson | "Solid" | 2 weeks |
| 31 March | Tears for Fears | "Shout" | 3 weeks |
| 7 April | Tears for Fears | "Shout" | 3 weeks |
| 14 April | Tears for Fears | "Shout" | 3 weeks |
| 21 April | USA for Africa | "We Are the World" | 7 weeks |
| 28 April | USA for Africa | "We Are the World" | 7 weeks |
| 5 May | USA for Africa | "We Are the World" | 7 weeks |
| 12 May | USA for Africa | "We Are the World" | 7 weeks |
| 19 May | USA for Africa | "We Are the World" | 7 weeks |
| 26 May | USA for Africa | "We Are the World" | 7 weeks |
| 2 June | USA for Africa | "We Are the World" | 7 weeks |
| 9 June | Tears for Fears | "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" | 1 week |
| 16 June | Alison Moyet | "That Ole Devil Called Love" | 3 weeks |
| 23 June | Alison Moyet | "That Ole Devil Called Love" | 3 weeks |
| 30 June | Alison Moyet | "That Ole Devil Called Love" | 3 weeks |
| 7 July | Paul Hardcastle | "19" | 5 weeks |
| 14 July | Paul Hardcastle | "19" | 5 weeks |
| 21 July | Paul Hardcastle | "19" | 5 weeks |
| 28 July | Paul Hardcastle | "19" | 5 weeks |
| 4 August | Paul Hardcastle | "19" | 5 weeks |
| 11 August | Madonna | "Into the Groove" | 6 weeks |
| 18 August | Madonna | "Into the Groove" | 6 weeks |
| 25 August | Madonna | "Into the Groove" | 6 weeks |
| 1 September | Madonna | "Into the Groove" | 6 weeks |
| 8 September | Madonna | "Into the Groove" | 6 weeks |
| 15 September | Madonna | "Into the Groove" | 6 weeks |
| 22 September | UB40 and Chrissie Hynde | "I Got You Babe" | 6 weeks |
| 29 September | UB40 and Chrissie Hynde | "I Got You Babe" | 6 weeks |
| 6 October | UB40 and Chrissie Hynde | "I Got You Babe" | 6 weeks |
| 13 October | UB40 and Chrissie Hynde | "I Got You Babe" | 6 weeks |
| 20 October | UB40 and Chrissie Hynde | "I Got You Babe" | 6 weeks |
| 27 October | UB40 and Chrissie Hynde | "I Got You Babe" | 6 weeks |
| 3 November | Stevie Wonder | "Part-Time Lover" | 2 weeks |
| 10 November | Stevie Wonder | "Part-Time Lover" | 2 weeks |
| 17 November | Jennifer Rush | "The Power of Love" | 4 weeks |
| 24 November | Jennifer Rush | "The Power of Love" | 4 weeks |
| 1 December | Jennifer Rush | "The Power of Love" | 4 weeks |
| 8 December | Jennifer Rush | "The Power of Love" | 4 weeks |
| 15 December | Peking Man | "Room That Echoes" | 6 weeks |
| 22 December | Peking Man | "Room That Echoes" | 6 weeks |
| 29 December | Peking Man | "Room That Echoes" | 6 weeks |

## 1986

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 5 January | Peking Man | "Room That Echoes" | 6 weeks |
| 12 January | Peking Man | "Room That Echoes" | 6 weeks |
| 19 January | Peking Man | "Room That Echoes" | 6 weeks |
| 26 January | Elton John | "Nikita" | 3 weeks |
| 2 February | Elton John | "Nikita" | 3 weeks |
| 9 February | Elton John | "Nikita" | 3 weeks |
| 16 February | Wham! | "I'm Your Man" | 1 week |
| 23 February | Pet Shop Boys | "West End Girls" | 4 weeks |
| 2 March | Pet Shop Boys | "West End Girls" | 4 weeks |
| 9 March | Pet Shop Boys | "West End Girls" | 4 weeks |
| 16 March | Pet Shop Boys | "West End Girls" | 4 weeks |
| 23 March | Falco | "Rock Me Amadeus" | 5 weeks |
| 30 March | Falco | "Rock Me Amadeus" | 5 weeks |
| 6 April | Falco | "Rock Me Amadeus" | 5 weeks |
| 13 April | Falco | "Rock Me Amadeus" | 5 weeks |
| 20 April | Falco | "Rock Me Amadeus" | 5 weeks |
| 27 April | The Rolling Stones | "Harlem Shuffle" | 1 week |
| 4 May | Cliff Richard and The Young Ones | "Living Doll" | 6 weeks |
| 11 May | Cliff Richard and The Young Ones | "Living Doll" | 6 weeks |
| 18 May | Cliff Richard and The Young Ones | "Living Doll" | 6 weeks |
| 25 May | Cliff Richard and The Young Ones | "Living Doll" | 6 weeks |
| 1 June | Cliff Richard and The Young Ones | "Living Doll" | 6 weeks |
| 8 June | Cliff Richard and The Young Ones | "Living Doll" | 6 weeks |
| 15 June | All of Us | "Sailing Away" | 9 weeks |
| 22 June | All of Us | "Sailing Away" | 9 weeks |
| 29 June | All of Us | "Sailing Away" | 9 weeks |
| 6 July | All of Us | "Sailing Away" | 9 weeks |
| 13 July | All of Us | "Sailing Away" | 9 weeks |
| 20 July | All of Us | "Sailing Away" | 9 weeks |
| 27 July | All of Us | "Sailing Away" | 9 weeks |
| 3 August | All of Us | "Sailing Away" | 9 weeks |
| 10 August | All of Us | "Sailing Away" | 9 weeks |
| 17 August | Boys Don't Cry | "I Wanna Be a Cowboy" | 3 weeks |
| 24 August | Boys Don't Cry | "I Wanna Be a Cowboy" | 3 weeks |
| 31 August | Boys Don't Cry | "I Wanna Be a Cowboy" | 3 weeks |
| 7 September | Bananarama | "Venus" | 4 weeks |
| 14 September | Bananarama | "Venus" | 4 weeks |
| 21 September | Bananarama | "Venus" | 4 weeks |
| 28 September | Bananarama | "Venus" | 4 weeks |
| 5 October | Dave Dobbyn with Herbs | "Slice of Heaven" | 8 weeks |
| 12 October | Dave Dobbyn with Herbs | "Slice of Heaven" | 8 weeks |
| 19 October | Dave Dobbyn with Herbs | "Slice of Heaven" | 8 weeks |
| 26 October | Dave Dobbyn with Herbs | "Slice of Heaven" | 8 weeks |
| 2 November | Dave Dobbyn with Herbs | "Slice of Heaven" | 8 weeks |
| 9 November | Dave Dobbyn with Herbs | "Slice of Heaven" | 8 weeks |
| 16 November | Dave Dobbyn with Herbs | "Slice of Heaven" | 8 weeks |
| 23 November | Dave Dobbyn with Herbs | "Slice of Heaven" | 8 weeks |
| 30 November | Run–D.M.C. | "Walk This Way" | 7 weeks |
| 7 December | Run–D.M.C. | "Walk This Way" | 7 weeks |
| 14 December | Run–D.M.C. | "Walk This Way" | 7 weeks |
| 21 December | Run–D.M.C. | "Walk This Way" | 7 weeks |
| 28 December | Run–D.M.C. | "Walk This Way" | 7 weeks |

## 1987

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 4 January | Run–D.M.C. | "Walk This Way" | 7 weeks |
| 11 January | Run–D.M.C. | "Walk This Way" | 7 weeks |
| 18 January | Gwen Guthrie | "Ain't Nothin' Goin' On but the Rent" | 2 weeks |
| 25 January | Gwen Guthrie | "Ain't Nothin' Goin' On but the Rent" | 2 weeks |
| 1 February | Jimmy Barnes and INXS | "Good Times" | 4 weeks |
| 8 February | Jimmy Barnes and INXS | "Good Times" | 4 weeks |
| 15 February | Jimmy Barnes and INXS | "Good Times" | 4 weeks |
| 22 February | Jimmy Barnes and INXS | "Good Times" | 4 weeks |
| 1 March | Cameo | "Word Up!" | 1 week |
| 8 March | Pseudo Echo | "Funkytown" | 6 weeks |
| 15 March | Pseudo Echo | "Funkytown" | 6 weeks |
| 22 March | Pseudo Echo | "Funkytown" | 6 weeks |
| 29 March | Pseudo Echo | "Funkytown" | 6 weeks |
| 5 April | Pseudo Echo | "Funkytown" | 6 weeks |
| 12 April | Pseudo Echo | "Funkytown" | 6 weeks |
| 19 April | Crowded House | "Don't Dream It's Over" | 2 weeks |
| 26 April | Crowded House | "Don't Dream It's Over" | 2 weeks |
| 3 May | Club Nouveau | "Lean on Me" | 6 weeks |
| 10 May | Club Nouveau | "Lean on Me" | 6 weeks |
| 17 May | Club Nouveau | "Lean on Me" | 6 weeks |
| 24 May | Club Nouveau | "Lean on Me" | 6 weeks |
| 31 May | Club Nouveau | "Lean on Me" | 6 weeks |
| 7 June | Club Nouveau | "Lean on Me" | 6 weeks |
| 14 June | Bon Jovi | "Livin' on a Prayer" | 1 week |
| 21 June | Iggy Pop | "Real Wild Child (Wild One)" | 1 week |
| 28 June | Whitney Houston | "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" | 4 weeks |
| 5 July | Whitney Houston | "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" | 4 weeks |
| 12 July | Whitney Houston | "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" | 4 weeks |
| 19 July | Whitney Houston | "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" | 4 weeks |
| 26 July | Mel and Kim | "Respectable" | 5 weeks |
| 2 August | Mel and Kim | "Respectable" | 5 weeks |
| 9 August | Mel and Kim | "Respectable" | 5 weeks |
| 16 August | Mel and Kim | "Respectable" | 5 weeks |
| 23 August | Mel and Kim | "Respectable" | 5 weeks |
| 30 August | Los Lobos | "La Bamba" | 7 weeks |
| 6 September | Los Lobos | "La Bamba" | 7 weeks |
| 13 September | Los Lobos | "La Bamba" | 7 weeks |
| 20 September | Los Lobos | "La Bamba" | 7 weeks |
| 27 September | Los Lobos | "La Bamba" | 7 weeks |
| 4 October | Los Lobos | "La Bamba" | 7 weeks |
| 11 October | Los Lobos | "La Bamba" | 7 weeks |
| 18 October | Tex Pistol | "The Game of Love" | 1 week |
| 25 October | Midnight Oil | "Beds Are Burning" | 4 weeks |
| 1 November | Midnight Oil | "Beds Are Burning" | 4 weeks |
| 8 November | U2 | "Where the Streets Have No Name" | 2 weeks |
| 15 November | U2 | "Where the Streets Have No Name" | 2 weeks |
| 22 November | Midnight Oil | "Beds Are Burning" | 4 weeks |
| 29 November | Midnight Oil | "Beds Are Burning" | 4 weeks |
| 6 December | George Michael | "Faith" | 7 weeks |
| 13 December | George Michael | "Faith" | 7 weeks |
| 20 December | George Michael | "Faith" | 7 weeks |
| 27 December | George Michael | "Faith" | 7 weeks |

## 1988

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 3 January | George Michael | "Faith" | 7 weeks |
| 10 January | George Michael | "Faith" | 7 weeks |
| 17 January | George Michael | "Faith" | 7 weeks |
| 24 January | Tiffany | "I Think We're Alone Now" | 2 weeks |
| 31 January | Tiffany | "I Think We're Alone Now" | 2 weeks |
| 7 February | Rick Astley | "Never Gonna Give You Up" | 1 week |
| 14 February | M|A|R|R|S | "Pump Up the Volume" | 2 weeks |
| 21 February | M|A|R|R|S | "Pump Up the Volume" | 2 weeks |
| 28 February | Belinda Carlisle | "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" | 4 weeks |
| 6 March | Belinda Carlisle | "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" | 4 weeks |
| 13 March | Belinda Carlisle | "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" | 4 weeks |
| 20 March | Belinda Carlisle | "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" | 4 weeks |
| 27 March | U2 | "One Tree Hill" | 7 weeks |
| 3 April | U2 | "One Tree Hill" | 7 weeks |
| 10 April | U2 | "One Tree Hill" | 7 weeks |
| 17 April | U2 | "One Tree Hill" | 7 weeks |
| 24 April | U2 | "One Tree Hill" | 7 weeks |
| 1 May | U2 | "One Tree Hill" | 7 weeks |
| 8 May | U2 | "One Tree Hill" | 7 weeks |
| 15 May | Pet Shop Boys | "Heart" | 1 week |
| 22 May | Big Pig | "Breakaway" | 2 weeks |
| 29 May | Big Pig | "Breakaway" | 2 weeks |
| 5 June | Aswad | "Don't Turn Around" | 2 weeks |
| 12 June | Aswad | "Don't Turn Around" | 2 weeks |
| 19 June | Prince | "Alphabet St." | 1 week |
| 26 June | New Order | "Blue Monday '88" | 3 weeks |
| 3 July | New Order | "Blue Monday '88" | 3 weeks |
| 10 July | New Order | "Blue Monday '88" | 3 weeks |
| 17 July | Holidaymakers | "Sweet Lovers" | 6 weeks |
| 24 July | Holidaymakers | "Sweet Lovers" | 6 weeks |
| 31 July | Holidaymakers | "Sweet Lovers" | 6 weeks |
| 7 August | Holidaymakers | "Sweet Lovers" | 6 weeks |
| 14 August | Holidaymakers | "Sweet Lovers" | 6 weeks |
| 21 August | Holidaymakers | "Sweet Lovers" | 6 weeks |
| 28 August | The Timelords | "Doctorin' the Tardis" | 3 weeks |
| 4 September | The Timelords | "Doctorin' the Tardis" | 3 weeks |
| 11 September | The Timelords | "Doctorin' the Tardis" | 3 weeks |
| 18 September | Times Two | "Cecilia" | 3 weeks |
| 25 September | Times Two | "Cecilia" | 3 weeks |
| 2 October | Times Two | "Cecilia" | 3 weeks |
| 9 October | Tex Pistol and Rikki Morris | "Nobody Else" | 1 week |
| 16 October | U2 | "Desire" | 5 weeks |
| 23 October | U2 | "Desire" | 5 weeks |
| 30 October | U2 | "Desire" | 5 weeks |
| 6 November | U2 | "Desire" | 5 weeks |
| 13 November | U2 | "Desire" | 5 weeks |
| 20 November | Yazz and the Plastic Population | "The Only Way Is Up" | 3 weeks |
| 27 November | Yazz and the Plastic Population | "The Only Way Is Up" | 3 weeks |
| 4 December | Yazz and the Plastic Population | "The Only Way Is Up" | 3 weeks |
| 11 December | When the Cat's Away | "Melting Pot" | 1 week |
| 18 December | Womack & Womack | "Teardrops" | 4 weeks |
| 25 December | Womack & Womack | "Teardrops" | 4 weeks |

## 1989

| Date | Artist | Single | Weeks at number one |
| 1 January | Womack & Womack | "Teardrops" | 4 weeks |
| 8 January | Womack & Womack | "Teardrops" | 4 weeks |
| 15 January | The Proclaimers | "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" | 2 weeks |
| 22 January | The Proclaimers | "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" | 2 weeks |
| 29 January | U2 | "Angel of Harlem" | 4 weeks |
| 5 February | U2 | "Angel of Harlem" | 4 weeks |
| 12 February | U2 | "Angel of Harlem" | 4 weeks |
| 19 February | U2 | "Angel of Harlem" | 4 weeks |
| 26 February | Art of Noise featuring Tom Jones | "Kiss" | 1 week |
| 5 March | Fine Young Cannibals | "She Drives Me Crazy" | 5 weeks |
| 12 March | Fine Young Cannibals | "She Drives Me Crazy" | 5 weeks |
| 19 March | Fine Young Cannibals | "She Drives Me Crazy" | 5 weeks |
| 26 March | Fine Young Cannibals | "She Drives Me Crazy" | 5 weeks |
| 2 April | Fine Young Cannibals | "She Drives Me Crazy" | 5 weeks |
| 9 April | Madonna | "Like a Prayer" | 2 weeks |
| 16 April | Madonna | "Like a Prayer" | 2 weeks |
| 23 April | Tone Lōc | "Wild Thing" | 2 weeks |
| 30 April | Tone Lōc | "Wild Thing" | 2 weeks |
| 7 May | Roxette | "The Look" | 3 weeks |
| 14 May | Roxette | "The Look" | 3 weeks |
| 21 May | The Cult | "Fire Woman" | 1 week |
| 28 May | Roxette | "The Look" | 3 weeks |
| 4 June | Simply Red | "If You Don't Know Me by Now" | 5 weeks |
| 11 June | Simply Red | "If You Don't Know Me by Now" | 5 weeks |
| 18 June | Simply Red | "If You Don't Know Me by Now" | 5 weeks |
| 25 June | Simply Red | "If You Don't Know Me by Now" | 5 weeks |
| 2 July | John Cougar Mellencamp | "Pop Singer" | 1 week |
| 9 July | Simply Red | "If You Don't Know Me by Now" | 5 weeks |
| 16 July | Prince | "Batdance" | 4 weeks |
| 23 July | Edelweiss | "Bring Me Edelweiss" | 1 week |
| 30 July | Prince | "Batdance" | 4 weeks |
| 6 August | Prince | "Batdance" | 4 weeks |
| 13 August | Prince | "Batdance" | 4 weeks |
| 20 August | Martika | "Toy Soldiers" | 4 weeks |
| 27 August | Martika | "Toy Soldiers" | 4 weeks |
| 3 September | Martika | "Toy Soldiers" | 4 weeks |
| 10 September | Martika | "Toy Soldiers" | 4 weeks |
| 17 September | Bobby Brown | "On Our Own" | 3 weeks |
| 24 September | Bobby Brown | "On Our Own" | 3 weeks |
| 1 October | Bobby Brown | "On Our Own" | 3 weeks |
| 8 October | Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers | "Swing the Mood" | 5 weeks |
| 15 October | Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers | "Swing the Mood" | 5 weeks |
| 22 October | Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers | "Swing the Mood" | 5 weeks |
| 29 October | Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers | "Swing the Mood" | 5 weeks |
| 5 November | Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers | "Swing the Mood" | 5 weeks |
| 12 November | Richard Marx | "Right Here Waiting" | 3 weeks |
| 19 November | Richard Marx | "Right Here Waiting" | 3 weeks |
| 26 November | Richard Marx | "Right Here Waiting" | 3 weeks |
| 3 December | Margaret Urlich | "Escaping" | 6 weeks (1 in 1990) |
| 10 December | Margaret Urlich | "Escaping" | 6 weeks (1 in 1990) |
| 17 December | Margaret Urlich | "Escaping" | 6 weeks (1 in 1990) |
| 24 December | Margaret Urlich | "Escaping" | 6 weeks (1 in 1990) |
| 31 December | Margaret Urlich | "Escaping" | 6 weeks (1 in 1990) |

## Artists with the most number-one songs

| Artist | Number-one singles | Longest run | Total weeks at number one |
| U2 | 5 | "One Tree Hill (7 weeks) | 19 |
| UB40 | 3 | "I Got You Babe" (with Chrissie Hynde) (6 weeks) | 11 |
| Stevie Wonder | 3 | "I Just Called to Say I Love You" (8 weeks) | 14 |
Excluded statistics
   * Artists who appeared in the charity songs of the 1980s, including Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas?" and USA for Africa's "We Are the World", which were both number-one singles, are not included in the individual tallies.

## Most weeks at number one

Key
    † – Song of New Zealand origin
| Title | Artist | Reached number one | Weeks at number one |
| "Sailing Away" | All of Us | 15 June 1986 | 9 |
| "Hands Up (Give Me Your Heart)" | Ottawan | 14 March 1982 | 9 |
| "Jezebel" | Jon Stevens | 2 December 1979 | 8 |
| "Slice of Heaven" | Dave Dobbyn featuring Herbs | 5 October 1986 | 8 |
| "How Great Thou Art" | Howard Morrison | 20 December 1981 | 8 |
| "Shaddap You Face" | Joe Dolce Music Theatre | 21 December 1980 | 8 |
| "I Just Called to Say I Love You" | Stevie Wonder | 14 October 1984 | 8 |
| "Uptown Girl" | Billy Joel | 11 December 1983 | 7 |
| "One Love/People Get Ready" | Bob Marley and the Wailers | 29 July 1984 | 7 |
| "Faith" | George Michael | 6 December 1987 | 7 |
| "La Bamba" | Los Lobos | 30 August 1987 | 7 |
| "Pass the Dutchie" | Musical Youth | 5 December 1982 | 7 |
| "Locomotion" | Ritz | 20 July 1980 | 7 |
| "Walk This Way" | Run–D.M.C. | 30 November 1986 | 7 |
| "Stars on 45" | Stars on 45 | 5 October 1987 | 7 |
| "One Tree Hill" | U2 | 27 March 1988 | 7 |
| "We Are the World" | USA for Africa | 21 April 1985 | 7 |
| "Stomp!" | The Brothers Johnson | 1 June 1980 | 6 |
| "Living Doll" | Cliff Richard and The Young Ones | 4 May 1986 | 6 |
| "Lean on Me" | Club Nouveau | 3 May 1987 | 6 |
| "Karma Chameleon" | Culture Club | 30 October 1983 | 6 |
| "Sweet Lovers" | Holidaymakers | 10 July 1986 | 6 |
| "Flashdance... What a Feeling" | Irene Cara | 31 July 1981 | 6 |
| "Into the Groove" | Madonna | 11 August 1985 | 6 |
| "Sexual Healing" | Marvin Gaye | 23 January 1983 | 6 |
| "Room That Echoes" | Peking Man | 15 December 1985 | 6 |
| "Funkytown" | Pseudo Echo | 8 March 1987 | 6 |
| "I Got You Babe" | UB40 and Chrissie Hynde | 22 September 1985 | 6 |