The fourth Labour Party government was in power.

See 1986 in art, 1986 in literature, Category:1986 books Winners are shown first with nominees underneath.

[13] See: 1986 in music See: 1986 in New Zealand television, 1986 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 See: Category:1986 film awards, 1986 in film, List of New Zealand feature films, Cinema of New Zealand, Category:1986 films Their 1–0 victory over Alan Border's Australians in February/March 1986 was their first series win over Australia at home with a 5 wicket win in the third test at Eden Park.

This followed on from their 2-1 series win in Australia in November/December 1985, where Richard Hadlee took a record 33 wickets in three tests.

In June/July 1986 New Zealand achieved their first test series win in England, 1-0, winning the second test at Trent Bridge.