1890 in New Zealand
The following lists events that happened during 1890 in New Zealand. Incumbents. Government and law. The 10th New Zealand Parliament continues. The number of members of the House of Representatives is cut from 95 to 74. The New Zealand Legislative Council has 39 members. Parliamentary opposition. Leader of the Opposition – John Ballance (Liberal Party). Sport. Athletics. The first athletics team to compete overseas travels to Sydney. At the National Championships the 3 miles, Pole vault and Shot put are held for the first time. Polo. The Savile Cup, the premier polo trophy in New Zealand, is  held for the first time. It is presented by and named after the aide-de-camp to the Governor of New Zealand, The Earl of Onslow. Rugby Union. Provincial club rugby champions include: Shooting. Ballinger Belt – P. Williams (Wellington Navals) Swimming. The New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association is formally constituted on 4 January. It is the second national governing body in the world after the A.S.A. of England. A subsequent disagreement between the North and South Island clubs leads to the formation of a rival association in the North Island known as the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association Registered. The  two associations remain apart until uniting on 21 March 1904. The first national titles are instituted. Each event is held at a separate carnival (this continues until 1905 when a single championships is held for the first time). In the first year there are 2 separate carnivals for 100 yards and thus 2 different champions.