[2] Organised by Julius Vogel it was intended to display New Zealand's industries to both encourage foreign investment and to boost New Zealand's self-confidence.

[2] The exhibition was opened by William Jervois, (Governor-General of New Zealand) on 1 August 1885,[2] with the Mayors of Auckland (William Waddel), Christchurch (Charles Hulbert) and Wellington (George Fisher) in attendance.

[1] As well as the main purpose built exhibition building exiting an existing drill hall was used as a concert hall with a borrowed organ from Jenkins of Christchurch.

[1] And in St George's Hall refreshments were served on the ground floor, with its upper storey of St George's Hall being used for painting, drawing and photograph display.

[1] There was a water colour competition, which was won by John Gully with his Western Coast of Tasman Bay.