The 1988 Chatham Cup was the 61st annual nationwide knockout football competition in New Zealand.
National League teams received a bye until the final 64 stage.
Waikato took the lead through Steve Tate, and Lance Bauerfeind doubled their advantage.
They received only one goal, via a Keith Braithwaite penalty a quarter of an hour before the final whistle.
[1] The Jack Batty Memorial Trophy for player of the final was awarded to double goalscorer Steve Tate of Waikato United.