2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
The league announced on 10 July that forward Thierry Henry and defenders Rafa Marquez and Tim Ream were selected to the 2011 MLS All-Star Game to be held at Red Bull Arena on 27 July. Later in the month MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced that Juan Agudelo had been added to the MLS All-Star Game roster and that Joel Lindpere had been added as an inactive participant.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
Another season low point was reached on 12 July when Red Bulls were eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup by a 4–0 thrashing at Chicago Fire in a quarterfinal match-up. Despite the fact that New York is the only original MLS club to never win a major trophy, team management decided that the U.S. Open Cup was not a priority and sent a squad lacking any regular starters to Chicago. Making matters worse, neither Coach Backe nor top assistant Jan Halvor Halvorsen traveled to Chicago. Instead, first-year assistant coach Mike Petke and injured player Carl Robinson were assigned to coach the squad of reserves against the Chicago starters. The ambivalence toward the Open Cup quarterfinal match infuriated Supporters Groups.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
The following day, Red Bulls announced the signing of veteran German goalkeeper Frank Rost from Bundesliga club Hamburger SV. General Manager Erik Soler stated "Frank is a very experienced goalkeeper who will provide a strong presence in-between the posts for our club during our quest for a MLS title," and "we are thrilled that he has decided to join us in the middle of our campaign and look forward to his contributions for the remainder of the season." Rost became the club's third Designated Player.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
The club traveled west to face Chivas USA on 16 July and came away with yet another draw, this one scoreless, in Rost's debut.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
Off the field that same day, the club announced that goalkeeper Greg Sutton, made redundant with the arrival of Frank Rost, had been loaned to North American Soccer League side Montreal Impact for the remainder of the season. This marked a homecoming of sorts for Sutton, a native Canadian who spent six years with Montreal earlier in his career. The club also announced that it had acquired an international roster slot from D.C. United for future considerations. Two days later, the future considerations were confirmed as second-year midfielder Austin da Luz. Supporters were again confused by the move, this time for trading an inexpensive, capable, domestic player to rivals D.C. for an international slot that reverts to D.C. at season's end.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
Coach Backe did not help his standing with the fanbase by publicly conceding his preseason goal of winning the Supporters Shield. Backe told the New York Post on 18 July: "...even if I wanted to win the Shield, but that is gone."


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
The downward spiral continued with a 4-1 loss at Colorado on 20 July. Three days later, Red Bulls did rescue a point from FC Dallas in a 2-2 home draw. Playing in stifling heat, Thierry Henry scored a late equalizer after Dane Richards had been sent off for his caution. That concluded league play for the month, with Red Bulls having now won 2 league matches in 3 months and having slipped to 9th place overall.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
The All-Star game was held at Red Bull Arena on 27 July. Coach Backe managed the MLS squad to a 4–0 defeat at the hands of English Premier League champions Manchester United.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
On 31 July, Red Bulls did manage to win a (meaningless) trophy: the 2011 Emirates Cup. After defeating Paris Saint-Germain of French Ligue 1 on 30 July by a 1–0 scoreline, Red Bulls then drew 1–1 against hosts, Arsenal of the English Premier League. Returning hero Thierry Henry was warmly received by Arsenal fans.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, July
MLS Results for July: 1 victory, 3 draws, 2 lossesMLS Results Season-to-Date: 6 victories, 12 draws, 5 losses; 30 points, 9th overall through 23 matches


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, August
The next league match was 6 August at Real Salt Lake. Red Bulls showed the effects of the long journey from England, losing badly 3–0. The loss dropped New York back to a dead even won-lost record. To make matters worse, new goalkeeper Frank Rost was removed at halftime due to an injury he suffered while sitting on the airplane on the flight from London to America.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, August
Draws by a 2–2 scoreline followed against Chicago on 13 August and New England on 20 August, Dane Richards netting both goals in the latter game. The Chicago game featured emergency goalkeeper Chris Konopka as starter due to Rost's injury, the loan of Greg Sutton, an international call-up for Bouna Coundoul, and an apparent lack of faith by Coach Backe in third-string keeper Alex Horwath. It proved to be Konopka's only appearance of the season.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, August
The marquee match of the month, the visit by first place Los Angeles Galaxy on 28 August, was postponed until 4 October due to Hurricane Irene.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, August
During August, Red Bulls traded a 2013 MLS SuperDraft pick to Sporting Kansas City for midfielder Stéphane Auvray and loaned rookie defender Tyler Lassiter to North American Soccer League side Carolina RailHawks. The club also continued its shakeup of staff members, relieving athletic trainer Rick Guter of his duties following 5 years of service. A replacement was not named.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, August
The consistent lack of victories resulted in a continued fall in the standings. At month's end, Red Bulls had fallen to 11th place through 26 rounds. For the first time all season the club was outside the playoff picture.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, August
MLS Results for August: 0 victories, 2 draws, 1 lossMLS Results Season-to-Date: 6 victories, 14 draws, 6 losses; 32 points, 11th overall through 26 matches


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, September
With 8 matches to go and fighting for the playoffs, New York could ill afford to lose a starter but they did just that when Roy Miller was injured while playing internationally for Costa Rica on 6 September. Miller missed two weeks. The club did regain the services of Luke Rodgers after 2 months out of the starting lineup.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, September
Red Bulls hosted last place Vancouver on 10 September and earned another draw, this time 1–1. One week later Rodgers scored the only goal in a surprising 1–0 victory at Dallas. The joy of a victory was short-lived as the club returned home on 21 September and fell flat versus Salt Lake, losing 3–1. All 3 Salt Lake goals were conceded in the first 21 minutes of play.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, September
After the Salt Lake match, Designated Player Rafa Marquez, who had been singled out recently by fans for his indifferent performance and lack of hustle, gave a scathing interview in which he denigrated his teammates, Tim Ream specifically. Among Marquez's statements were: "I think I am playing at my maximum level, and doing everything I can. I don't have, unfortunately, four defenders on my level that can help me out. "; "Tim is still a young player with a lot to learn.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, September
He still has quite a lot to learn, and well, he has committed errors that are very infantile and cost us goals. "; and "I think that this is a team game, and unfortunately, there isn't an equal level between perhaps (Thierry Henry) and myself, and our teammates." Despite Marquez's initial claims that he was misquoted, the interview was videotaped and posted in its entirety at a fan website. Two days later the club suspended Marquez for one match.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, September
Red Bulls won the match that Marquez missed, beating Portland 2–0 on 24 September. This result meant that Marquez had not played in any of the four most recent Red Bulls victories or in any of the four most recent Red Bulls shutouts. The win moved the club back into playoff position, 9th overall.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, September
MLS Results for September: 2 victories, 1 draw, 1 lossMLS Results Season-to-Date: 8 victories, 15 draws, 7 losses; 39 points, 9th overall through 30 matches


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, October
Marquez returned for the 1 October match at Toronto and his impact was felt. His early second-half giveaway and failure to hustle back defensively resulted in a Toronto goal. Only a sterling late game finish by Thierry Henry allowed Red Bulls to rescue a point through a 1–1 draw.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, October
The rescheduled home match against Los Angeles was played on 4 October. Red Bulls looked sharp and earned a 2–0 victory which placed them on the cusp of clinching a playoff spot. However, in the inconsistent manner exhibited by the club all season long, a flat New York squad next fell at Kansas City 2–0. Henry was issued a straight red card in the match, causing him to miss the final league match with the club needing a result to ensure a playoff spot.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, October
Prior to the final match, General Manager Erik Soler told The New York Times that Coach Hans Backe would return for 2012. Soler also addressed the June trade of Dwayne De Rosario to D.C. United, deflecting blame by stating: "He didn't work out, he didn't score. He's a great player as long as he has the ball, and we already have those kinds of players here. Our problem is not scoring goals, our problem is defensive mistakes. He's not a guy who likes to play a complementary role. He didn't fit in. I'm happy for him. He's a great guy, but he wouldn't score 15 goals here. We know that Thierry Henry needs the ball, and on a smaller scale DeRo is the same. It's not our mistake. It just didn't work out."


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, October
The last league match was home to Philadelphia on 20 October. An early Dane Richards goal proved enough for a 1–0 victory that clinched the 10th and final playoff spot for Red Bulls.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, October
MLS Results for October: 2 victories, 1 draw, 1 lossMLS Results Regular Season (Final): 10 victories, 16 draws, 8 losses; 44 points, 10th overall


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, October
New York opened the postseason with a one-game Wild Card round playoff at Dallas. Goals by Joel Lindpere and Thierry Henry led Red Bulls to a surprising 2–0 win.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, October
The victory over Dallas earned New York a two-game series with Supporters Shield winners Los Angeles Galaxy. The first match was played 30 October at Red Bull Arena. Former Red Bull Mike Magee scored the game's lone goal to win the match for Galaxy. After the match, a skirmish erupted when Marquez threw the ball at Galaxy captain Landon Donovan, hitting the American international in the foot. Nearby Galaxy player Adam Cristman took offense and confronted Marquez, who responded by punching (and missing) wildly and seemingly attempting to headbutt Cristman.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, October
Other players joined the fray, with Los Angeles midfielder Juninho landing an elbow to the face of unsuspecting Red Bulls defender Stephen Keel. Marquez inexplicably grabbed his face and flopped to the ground when other players approached, though no player was near enough to make contact with him. He and Juninho were both shown red cards for their actions, causing them to miss the return leg in Los Angeles. Two days later, the league suspended Marquez an additional two matches for: "attempting to head butt Adam Cristman, attempting to punch Adam Cristman; striking Cristman, and simulating that he had been struck in the face." The extra suspension ended Marquez's 2011 season.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, October
MLS Playoff Results: Wild Card victory over FC Dallas; trailing 1–0 in aggregate to Los Angeles Galaxy


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, November
Red Bulls faced a daunting task needing to win in Los Angeles, something no visiting club had managed all season. In the return leg on 3 November, an early Luke Rodgers goal tied the series and gave Red Bulls hope. New York carried play until midfielder Teemu Tainio was forced out with injury at 16 minutes. From there, the match turned toward Los Angeles with Galaxy finally regaining the aggregate lead on a Mike Magee goal minutes before halftime. A second-half goal by Landon Donovan cemented the series victory for Los Angeles and ended another disappointing season for New York Red Bulls.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, November
On 9 November the club announced team awards for 2011: Most Valuable Player - Thierry Henry; Newcomer of the Year - Luke Rodgers; Defender of the Year - Jan Gunnar Solli; Humanitarian of the Year - Stephen Keel.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, November
To add insult to injury, Dwayne De Rosario, discarded after less than three months with New York, was named 2011 Most Valuable Player of Major League Soccer.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, November
Rafa Marquez's suspension will carry over to the first two matches of 2012.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Month-by-Month Overview, November
MLS Playoff Results: Conference Semifinal defeat to Los Angeles Galaxy


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Team information, International players
The following players on the club have received international call-ups during the season or within the previous year:


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Player statistics
* = No longer with the club. * * = Goals total includes 2 own goals scored by opposition.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Standings, Overall standings
(SS) = Supporters Shield winner; (E1) = Eastern Conference champion; (W1) = Western Conference champion


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Miscellany, Allocation ranking
New York did not use its spot in the MLS Allocation Ranking during the 2011 season. The allocation ranking is the mechanism used to determine which MLS club has first priority to acquire a U.S. National Team player who signs with MLS after playing abroad, or a former MLS player who returns to the league after having gone to a club abroad for a transfer fee. A ranking can be traded, provided that part of the compensation received in return is another club's ranking.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Miscellany, International roster spots
It is believed that New York has 12 international roster spots. Each club in Major League Soccer is allocated 8 international roster spots, which can be traded. New York acquired its first additional spot from San Jose Earthquakes on 2 March 2009. Press reports did not indicate if or when this roster spot was to revert to San Jose. New York acquired a second additional spot from Houston Dynamo on 17 March 2009. It is not known if or when this roster spot is to revert to Houston.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Miscellany, International roster spots
The club also acquired a spot from Colorado Rapids on 14 September 2010 in the Macoumba Kandji trade. The trade of this spot was not included in the press release and it is not known when this spot reverts to Colorado. The club acquired a fourth additional international spot from D.C. United on 16 July 2011. This spot will return to D.C. after the 2011 season.


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Miscellany, International roster spots
There is no limit on the number of international slots on each club's roster. The remaining roster slots must belong to domestic players. For clubs based in the United States, a domestic player is either a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident (green card holder) or the holder of other special status (e.g., refugee or asylum status).


2011 New York Red Bulls season, Miscellany, Future draft pick trades
Future picks acquired: None. Future picks traded: 2012 SuperDraft Round 1 pick traded to Toronto FC; 2012 Supplemental Draft Round 1 pick traded to Houston Dynamo; 2013 SuperDraft Round 2 pick traded to Sporting Kansas City.


2011 New York Yankees season
The 2011 New York Yankees season was the 111th season for the New York Yankees franchise. The Yankees began the season at home against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, March 31. The Yankees clinched a playoff berth in the first game of a doubleheader on September 21, and clinched the AL East division title in the second game. The Yankees season ended on October 6 when they lost a deciding Game 5 of the 2011 American League Division Series to the Detroit Tigers 3–2. It was the first time since 2007 that the Yankees lost an elimination game at home.


2011 New York Yankees season
The 2011 season was the final season in the playing career of longtime Yankees catcher Jorge Posada.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
Manager Joe Girardi's three-year contract with the Yankees ended at the conclusion of the 2010 season. Having won one World Series and bringing his team to the playoffs the past two seasons, the Yankees quickly signed him to a new 3-year deal worth $9 million. After firing pitching coach Dave Eiland, they replaced him with Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
In November, they added minor leaguers Melky Mesa, Dellin Betances, Ryan Pope, and Brandon Laird to the 40-man roster. Mesa had to be added to avoid eligibility to be a minor league free agent, while Betances, Pope, and Laird had to be added to prevent being eligible for the Rule 5 draft.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
In November, long-time Yankees Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera all became free agents, as well as veterans Nick Johnson, Javier Vázquez, Marcus Thames, Kerry Wood, Lance Berkman, Austin Kearns, and Chad Moeller. Dustin Moseley and Alfredo Aceves also became free agents as the Yankees opted not to tender their contracts. On November 18, 2010, the Yankees traded Juan Miranda to the Diamondbacks in exchange for minor league pitcher Scottie Allen. On November 19, 2010, they released reliever Jonathan Albaladejo per an agreement made with Albaladejo and the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
Sergio Mitre avoided arbitration with the Yankees by signing a one-year, $900,000 deal. Derek Jeter and the Yankees agreed to a new contract of $51 million over 3 years with fourth-year option after 2013. Mariano Rivera signed a two-year, $30 million contract with the Yankees, which he hinted may be the last contract of his career.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
In the Rule 5 draft, the Yankees selected pitchers Robert Fish from the Angels and Daniel Turpen from the Red Sox. The Astros meanwhile selected Yankees minor leaguer Lance Pendleton while the Padres selected George Kontos.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
On December 13, 2010, it was announced that top free agent Cliff Lee rejected the Yankees six-year, $138 million contract offer to sign a five-year, $120 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee was the Yankees top priority in the offseason. In his place, the Yankees signed catcher Russell Martin and reliever Pedro Feliciano.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
The Yankees have signed various former Major Leaguers to minor league deals, such as Brian Anderson, Luis Ayala, Ronnie Belliard, Doug Bernier, Buddy Carlyle, Eric Chavez, Bartolo Colón, Neal Cotts, Freddy García, Gustavo Molina, Mark Prior, Andy Sisco, and Luis Vizcaíno. Vizcaino's contract was later voided due to injury. They also claimed outfielder Jordan Parraz off of waivers from the Boston Red Sox.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
In January 2011, the Yankees signed Rafael Soriano to a three-year contract worth $35 million and agreed with Andruw Jones on a one-year, $2 million contract, pending a physical. This deal was made official on February 14.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
On February 2, the Yankees acquired Justin Maxwell from the Washington Nationals in a trade for minor league pitcher Adam Olbrychowski. To make room for him on the roster, Parraz was designated for assignment.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason
On February 4, Andy Pettitte announced his retirement from baseball via press conference. Pettitte played 13 seasons with the Yankees and 3 with the Astros, he was a 3x All Star selection, a 5x World Series champion, and finally a 2001 ALCS MVP.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, March/April
Facing the Detroit Tigers on Opening Day, Mariano Rivera notched his 560th career save to pull within 42 saves of surpassing Trevor Hoffman for the all-time Major League record. This also marked Rivera's third career Opening Day save.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, March/April
On April 3 Mark Teixeira hit his third straight home run of the season, in three consecutive days marking the first time a Yankees player had accomplished this since Dave Winfield did it in 1983. Never before—not even in their Murderers' Row days—had the Yanks hit nine homers through their first three games. Eight had been enough twice, in 1932 and '81.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, March/April
Against the Minnesota Twins the Yankees hit two more home runs, coming off the bats of Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada, bringing the Yankees home run total in the first four games to 11, falling short of the franchise record set at 12 in 2003. With the win clinched Iván Nova became the first rookie Yankee pitcher to record a win in the first four games of the season since Al Leiter did it in 1988.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, March/April
On April 5 in the second game against the Twins, Teixeira and Andruw Jones both connected for home runs, bringing the total number hit by the Yankees in the first five games to 13, tying the franchise record set by the 1932 World Champion Yankees.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, March/April
Going into the game against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 19, the Yankees hit 27 home runs in the first 14 games, the most in the history of the franchise.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, May
Against the Texas Rangers on May 8, Francisco Cervelli connected for the first grand slam of his career in a 12–5 Yankee win.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, May
On May 25, Mariano Rivera made his 1,000th appearance with the Yankees, making him the 15th reliever in Major League history to accomplish the feat, and the first to do so for one team.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, May
Facing the Seattle Mariners on May 29, Derek Jeter stole his 327th base, breaking Rickey Henderson's record for the most in Yankees history.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, June
On June 24, facing the Colorado Rockies, A. J. Burnett struck out 4 batters in the 6th inning, becoming the first Yankee to accomplish this feat.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, June
Against the Milwaukee Brewers on June 30, Mark Teixeira hit the 300th home run of his career.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, July
On July 9 against the Tampa Bay Rays, Derek Jeter became the first Yankee player in history and the 28th player in MLB history to join the 3,000 hit club with a home-run off David Price in the 3rd inning. He is the only player in the 3,000 hit club to record all of his hits with the New York Yankees and only the second player to record his milestone hit with a home-run, the other player being Wade Boggs. Derek is also the second player to record five hits during his 3,000th hit game, the other player being Craig Biggio, going 5–5 in the game.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, July
On July 30, against the Baltimore Orioles, the Yankees scored a club record 12 runs in the first inning, en route to a 17–3 victory.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, August
On August 4, the Yankees completed their first four-game sweep on the road against the Chicago White Sox since 1976 in a 7–2 victory. It was only the third instance in modern baseball history in which a team swept a four-game series without giving up a walk.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, August
Facing the Boston Red Sox, on August 5, Jeter's run scored in the sixth inning was the 1,742nd of his career, moving him past Honus Wagner for sole possession of 21st place on baseball's all-time list.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, August
On August 25, the Yankees became the first team in history to hit three grand slam home runs in one game with a 22–9 win over the Oakland Athletics. It was done by Robinson Canó, Russell Martin, and Curtis Granderson.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, September
On September 13 against the Seattle Mariners, Mariano Rivera became the second player in history to attain 600 saves. He also became the first to get all 600 with a single team.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, September
On September 19 against the Minnesota Twins, Mariano Rivera broke Trevor Hoffman's all-time save record with his 602nd career save.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, September
The Yankees clinched a playoff berth on September 21 against the Tampa Bay Rays and, later that day during the 2nd game of the doubleheader, clinched their 17th American League East crown.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, October and postseason
The Yankees faced off with the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS. Game 1 was delayed by rain but continued a day later. Behind Robinson Canó's grand slam, the Yankees won the opener, 9–3. The Tigers won Game 2, 5–3, on the strength of a performance by Max Scherzer. When the series moved to Detroit, the Tigers took the series lead by edging the Yankees 5–4, getting a seventh-inning go-ahead Delmon Young home run.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, October and postseason
Starter A. J. Burnett, who got the starting nod because the Game 1 rainout forced the team to reshuffle its rotation, guided the Yankees to a 10–1 Game 4 win, forcing a decisive Game 5. Back home for the win-or-go-home Game 5, New York dropped a 3–2 decision to the Tigers, who jumped in front with back-to-back, first-inning solo home runs from Delmon Young and Don Kelly. In the finale, the Yankees were done in by their inability to come through with runners in scoring position, as they stranded 11 runners.


2011 New York Yankees season, Offseason, October and postseason
Longtime Yankees catcher Jorge Posada retired following the 2011 postseason.


2011 New York state high school boys basketball championships
The 2011 Federation Tournament of Champions took place at the Times Union Center in downtown Albany on March 25, 26 and 27. It was the tournament's first year in Albany after 30 years in Glens Falls. Federation championships were awarded in the AA, A and B classifications. Mount Vernon won the Class AA championship. Jabarie Hinds of Mount Vernon was named the Class AA tournament's Most Valuable Player.


2011 New York state high school boys basketball championships, Class AA
Participating teams, results and individual honors in Class AA were as follows:


2011 New York state high school boys basketball championships, Class AA, Individual honors
The following players were awarded individual honors for their performances at the Federation Tournament:


2011 New York state high school boys basketball championships, Class A
Participating teams, results and individual honors in Class A were as follows:


2011 New York state high school boys basketball championships, Class A, Results
Long Island Lutheran finished the season with a 23-4 record.


2011 New York state high school boys basketball championships, Class A, Individual honors
The following players were awarded individual honors for their performances at the Federation Tournament:


2011 New York state high school boys basketball championships, Class B
Participating teams, results and individual honors in Class B were as follows:


2011 New York state high school boys basketball championships, Class B, Results
Collegiate finished the season with a 22-8 record. It was Collegiate's record fourth straight state title.


2011 New York state high school boys basketball championships, Class B, Individual honors
The following players were awarded individual honors for their performances at the Federation Tournament:


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election
A 2011 special election in New York's 26th congressional district was held on May 24, 2011 to fill a seat in the U.S. Congress for New York's 26th congressional district. The seat had been vacated due to the February 2011 resignation of married Rep. Chris Lee, who left office amid a scandal involving flirtatious emails and a shirtless picture he sent to a woman he met on Craigslist.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election
Four candidates competed in the election: Republican Assemblymember Jane Corwin; Democrat Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul; Green Party candidate Ian Murphy, editor of the Buffalo Beast; and independent candidate Jack Davis, a businessman running on the Tea Party line. On Election Day, Hochul won an upset victory, prevailing over Corwin by a margin of 47.24%-42.28%; Davis received 8.99% of the vote.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Procedure
Under New York election law, special elections to fill vacant offices were held between 30 to 40 days of their announcement by the governor. In March 2011, at the initiative of Governor Cuomo and with the approval of the state legislature, the campaigning period was more than doubled, with the reason given that U.S. military serving overseas needed the extra time to receive and send back their ballots.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Procedure
The Capitol Confidential noted that the federal government had sued for the extension for the military and predicted that the change might also "shift... political tactics during the [special election] campaigns, which because of their short duration favor wealthy candidates and 'air wars'. Once the governor called the election, county chairpersons from each of the six qualified New York parties (Democratic, Republican, Conservative, Working Families, Independence, and Green) caucused to choose their candidates, with no primary election or petitions to circulate. Independent candidates also had the opportunity to petition onto the ballot.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Issues, Medicare
According to many observers, the campaign "turned into a referendum on the Republican plan to overhaul Medicare" because of Corwin's support for the Republican alternative budget proposed by Paul Ryan (R-Wis.), a proposal that would replace government-provided health care with partial subsidies for the cost of private medical insurance. Hochul criticized the Ryan plan and supports the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which Corwin wants to repeal completely. Davis opposed both the Ryan plan and the Affordable Care Act.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Issues, Medicare, Tea Party involvement
The local leaders of the Tea Party movement had divided their support between Republican nominee Jane Corwin, independent petitioner Jack Davis, and potential candidate David Bellavia. Jim Ostrowski, the leader of a libertarian-leaning tea party group (the Tea Party Coalition of WNY), endorsed Davis, criticizing Corwin for her lack of outreach to the Tea Party groups, and arranged to put the name "Tea" on Davis's ballot line.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Issues, Medicare, Tea Party involvement
TEA New York, a more mainstream Republican-leaning tea party group, was divided between Bellavia and Corwin, with several of its members backing Bellavia's ultimately unsuccessful petition campaign and others (the best known being gubernatorial nominee Carl Paladino) backing Corwin from the beginning. After Bellavia failed to get onto the ballot, TEA New York endorsed Corwin. TEA New York refused to consider cross-endorsing Davis, mainly because of the use of the name "Tea Party" on Davis's ballot line (a tactic the Tea Party Coalition also used in the 2010 elections), to which he and numerous other Tea Party groups objected. TEA New York, the Tea Party Express and numerous other Tea Party groups campaigned on behalf of Corwin and attempted to portray Davis as a "fake Tea Party" candidate.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Democratic
Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul was unanimously selected by local Democratic Chairs to be their special election candidate on March 19, 2011.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Democratic
Other candidates interviewing for the party nomination included Jane Bauch, former Democratic Party Chair of the town of Murray; Mark Manna, Amherst town councilor; Martin Minemeier, a corrections officer from Henrietta; Satish Mohan, former Amherst town supervisor; Robert Stall, a geriatrician from Tonawanda; and Diana Voit, a resident of Erie County.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Republican
Assemblywoman Jane Corwin was selected as the party nominee the evening of February 21, 2011. Corwin had been considered the likely Republican candidate almost immediately following Lee's resignation.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Republican
Other candidates interviewing for the party nomination included David Bellavia , author and Iraq war soldier; Jack Davis, Amherst businessman and three-time Democratic candidate for the same seat; Brian Napoli, Ridgeway town supervisor; Peter O'Brien, U.S. Navy veteran; Barry Weinstein, Amherst town supervisor and former county legislator; Kathy Weppner, talk show host on WBEN; and Gary Wheat, former Avon council member.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Conservative
The Conservative Party of New York State endorsed Republican nominee Jane Corwin on March 14. Bellavia and Davis also sought the line.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Working Families
The Working Families Party endorsed Democratic nominee Kathy Hochul on March 20.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Independence
The Independence Party of New York endorsed Republican nominee Jane Corwin on March 14.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Green
The Green Party of New York, in the first election since 2002 in which the party has automatic ballot access, nominated Ian Murphy, editor of the Buffalo Beast, as its candidate on March 23, 2011.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Tea Party
On March 21, Jack Davis, who had also been rejected in his bid for the Republican, Conservative and Democratic endorsements, filed approximately 12,000 petition signatures, more than triple the necessary number, and was on the ballot on the Tea Party line. Davis spent $2.5 million of his own money on his campaign.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Tea Party
Jim Ostrowski, the unofficial proprietor of the "Tea Party" line, later stated after the election that he believed perennial candidate, and later New York State Assemblyman, David DiPietro was the best candidate for the seat, but did not believe DiPietro had the resources to run an effective campaign and had "almost given up" on running a serious candidacy until aligning himself with Davis.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Candidates, Rejected petition
David Bellavia, who had tried but failed to receive party endorsement, attempted to launch an independent campaign. Bellavia submitted approximately 3,600 signatures under the "Federalist Party" line. His petitions were challenged by a local resident. In addition, Bellavia had failed to submit an affidavit formally accepting the nomination. Consequentially, Bellavia did not receive a ballot position, and the petition challenge was rendered moot. Bellavia eventually endorsed Davis for the seat.


2011 New York's 26th congressional district special election, Results
The race was called for Hochul by multiple local and national news organizations, including the Associated Press, at about 10 p.m. EDT,  an hour after polls closed and after a majority of votes had been counted. Corwin conceded the race that evening. Hochul prevailed over Corwin by a margin of 47.24%-42.28%, with Tea Party candidate Jack Davis receiving 8.99% of the vote. Hochul's victory was viewed as an upset. While Republicans contended that Davis had taken votes away from Corwin and acted as a spoiler, DailyKos and Slate asserted that this contention was contradicted by polling data.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election
A 2011 special election in New York's 9th congressional district was held on September 13, 2011 to fill a seat in the U.S. Congress for New York's 9th congressional district, after Representative Anthony Weiner resigned from the seat on June 21, 2011 due to his sexting scandal. Democratic Party nominee David Weprin, a member of the New York State Assembly, faced Republican and Conservative Party nominee Bob Turner, a businessman who had unsuccessfully sought the seat in 2010.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election
The district with over 300,000 registered voters was expected to be eliminated during the 2012 redistricting. It is strongly Democratic, where registered Democrats out number Republican by a 3-to-1 ratio.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election
Around midnight on September 14, the Associated Press called the race for Republican Bob Turner with 70% of precincts reporting and Turner leading Weprin 53% to 47%. Turner is the first Republican Congressman to represent this district in 88 years. The last Republican to represent the district was Andrew Petersen, who was elected in the Harding landslide of 1920.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Schedule
On July 1, 2011, Governor Andrew Cuomo called the special election for September 13, concurrent with state primary elections, and with special elections for six vacant seats in the New York State Assembly. The deadline for the selection and approval of each party's nominee was July 19. Independent candidates also had the opportunity to petition their way onto the ballot collecting 3,500 signatures by July 13, and had a deadline of July 18. The last day for the state and county boards to certify the ballot was July 22.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Nomination process
Each of the six qualified New York parties (Democratic, Republican, Conservative, Working Families, Independence, and Green) had the opportunity to nominate candidates; the Green Party did not nominate a candidate. As the majority of the District lies within the county of Queens, each party's chairperson of this county chose the nominees: for the Democratic Party, Queens Democratic chairman, Joseph Crowley, a member of the U.S. House (representing the neighboring 7th district), and for the Republican Party, Queens Republican chairman Phil Ragusa, an accountant.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Candidates, Democratic
David Weprin, a member of the New York State Assembly, was announced as the Democratic nominee on July 7, 2011. Weprin did not live in the 9th district, but rather in Holliswood, Queens in the 5th district. However, as with Kathy Hochul in the 26th district election held upstate earlier in the year, this did not disqualify Weprin from seeking or holding the office; the U.S. Constitution requires only that a person be a resident of the state which he or she represents, not specifically a district. Weprin was believed to have been nominated to serve as a placeholder who would not seek re-election should the district have been eliminated in the 2012 redistricting  (which subsequently happened).


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Candidates, Republican
Bob Turner, former CEO of Multimedia Entertainment best known for producing The Jerry Springer Show, was chosen as the Republican nominee on July 8, 2011, after  Councilman Eric Ulrich declined to run and Juan D. Reyes backed out of contention. Turner had been a candidate for the 9th district in 2010, and was defeated by Weiner by a 39% to 61% margin.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Candidates, Third parties, Conservative
The Conservative Party of New York State endorsed Republican nominee Bob Turner in a July 9 meeting.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Candidates, Third parties, Working Families
The Working Families Party endorsed Democratic nominee David Weprin on July 11.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Candidates, Third parties, Independence
The Independence Party of New York endorsed Democratic nominee David Weprin on July 10.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Candidates, Third parties, Liberal
The Liberal Party of New York endorsed Republican nominee Bob Turner. The Liberal Party has not had automatic ballot access since 2002 and did not petition for it in this race.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Candidates, Third parties, Socialist Workers
The Socialist Workers Party organized a one-week petitioning effort to collect the 3,500 signatures necessary to get its candidate, Christopher Hoeppner, onto the special election ballot. Hoeppner and the SWP submitted 7,080 signatures and qualified for the ballot.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, General election, Campaign
The seat was originally considered safe for Democrats, as registered Democrats outnumber Republicans three to one in the district, but the race soon turned into a toss-up, and a referendum on President Barack Obama and his party. Obama's support, or lack thereof, of Israel in particular emerged as top issue in the district, with its thirty some percent Jewish voters.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, General election, Campaign
In early August, a Siena poll showed Weprin leading with six percent, but four days before the election the poll showed Turner leading by six points, and a poll done by Public Policy Polling (PPP) two days later showed the same result, which was attributed to the unpopularity of President Obama, who had already underperformed his Democratic predecessors in the district in 2008, and the issue of Israel. PPP's president commented that "If Republicans win this race...it's real-world evidence of how unpopular Barack Obama is right now. Approval polls are one thing, but for the GOP to win in a heavily Democratic district like this would send a strong message about how unhappy voters are".


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, General election, Campaign
By August 24, Weprin reported raising $451,000, double the $204,000 raised by Turner. Weprin had the assistance of labor unions and strong local party organizations, and received additional financial support from national Democrats, who spent more than $600,000 on television advertisements criticizing Turner. Senator Joseph Lieberman endorsed him, Governor Andrew Cuomo and former President Bill Clinton recorded automated phone calls to voters for him, and New York Senator Charles Schumer and City Council speaker Christine Quinn campaigned with him. Turner had the support of former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and former Governor George Pataki who made appearances with him. He also had the support of Assemblyman Dov Hikind, and former New York mayor Ed Koch, both Democrats and Jews.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, General election, Campaign
Weprin, an Orthodox Jew whom Tablet Magazine described as "a nebbish-ey mustachioed man with a limp handshake and what appears to be a toupee" led a gaffe-prone campaign: When asked by the New York Daily News, he estimated the national debt at $4 trillion instead of $14 trillion it was at that time, and later blamed Hurricane Irene as the reason for bowing out of a scheduled debate against Turner, a day after the hurricane had passed. In early September, Weprin's campaign was accused of sending volunteers to spy on Turner's campaign. Members of Weprin's campaign denied involvement. Weprin did not deny the allegations, but denied knowledge, saying "I'm the candidate. I can't control who goes to everything."


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, General election, Campaign
Turner portrayed the race as a referendum on President Obama's policies and linked Weprin to the President. In the debate about the mosque near Ground Zero, Weprin has defended the "right of the mosque to build on that site". Turner chastised both him and Obama for this attitude in an advertisement, featuring images of the World Trade Center in flames.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, General election, Campaign
Turner advocated that the federal budget has to be cut by as much as a third, and he also wanted to lower taxes. He insisted that the cuts would not necessarily mean reducing benefits for those who depend on government funds, particularly Social Security and Medicare. The New York Times, who endorsed Weprin, said of Turner's position: "[t]hat would take a magician, not a businessman".


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, General election, Campaign
Turner, a Roman Catholic, appealed to Jewish voters by criticizing President Obama's policies on Israel, and portraying Weprin, who is strongly pro-Israel, as being insufficiently critical of Obama's stance on Israel. Former New York mayor Ed Koch supported Turner in order to send a message to President Obama "that he can no longer take the Jewish community for granted" and to change what Koch described as "hostile position on the State of Israel". Koch was accused of supporting Turner out of revenge for Weprin's father Saul Weprin's not supporting him in his race for governor in 1982, but Koch denied this.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, General election, Campaign
Weprin's vote in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage in the Assembly in June 2011, angered many religious Jews, who make up for about a third of the Jewish voters, and led to some Flatbush Orthodox rabbis issuing a letter prohibiting Jews from voting for Weprin or donating time or money to his campaign. Turner, who opposes same-sex marriage, avoided making it an issue in the campaign, following Ed Koch's advice. However, he was supported by local rabbis as well as Assemblyman Dov Hikind for being against gay marriage.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Impact
The Republican upset victory is seen as a result of frustration with the weak national economy and considered a referendum on President Obama's economic policies. Commentators and politicians have also stated that the outcome of the election indicates that concerns about Obama's stance on Israel may have played a role in the election. The district has a substantial number of Jewish voters, particularly in Brooklyn, where Weprin lost 33 to 67. Many of them are ultra-Orthodox, who, while socially conservative, are fiscal liberals and sometimes will vote Republican or Russian immigrants, who tend to be politically conservative. Former New York mayor Ed Koch called the Republican win "a message to President Obama that he cannot throw Israel under a bus with impunity".


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Impact
Republican Jewish Coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks said the outcome had "huge implications for 2012 races in states with large Jewish communities, such as Florida, Ohio, and Pennsylvania". National Jewish Democratic Council President David A. Harris on the other hand stated: "One thing we know beyond the shadow of a doubt is that this election was about many things, but not Israel".


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Impact
The chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, whose congressional district in South Florida comprises many Jewish voters, denied national ramifications saying that the district's large concentration of Orthodox Jews, who tend not to vote Democratic, made it unusual. However, Turner was the only elected Republican official from areas comprising the 9th district.


2011 New York's 9th congressional district special election, Impact
Turner's victory had implications on how the political boundaries of the state of New York were drawn in 2012. The 9th district was one of the two districts to be eliminated, as the state lost congressional seats because of population changes. Turner considered running for reelection. Turner nonetheless bowed out of the race after the 9th district was mostly dissolved into the newly formed 6th district, which will have a greater Asian population and an even greater Democratic advantage; Turner instead ran for the U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2012, losing.


2011 New Zealand Derby
The 2011 New Zealand Derby was a horse race which took place at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday 5 March 2011. It was the 136th running of the New Zealand Derby, and it was won by Jimmy Choux.


2011 New Zealand Derby
The lead-up to the race was dominated by Jimmy Choux, with the Hawke's Bay colt seeking to become the first horse in more than 20 years to win both the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the Derby.


2011 New Zealand Derby
Unlike some years, there was no doubt over who was the best horse in the 2011 New Zealand Derby field. Jimmy Choux had an extraordinary 2010–11 season, winning the Hawke's Bay Guineas, New Zealand 2000 Guineas, Great Northern Guineas, Wellington Stakes and Waikato Guineas to secure hot Derby favouritism. His only defeats were when he was beaten by a nose by Fiddler in the Wanganui Guineas on a very heavy track in his first start of the season, and in the Levin Classic, where he was eased out to finish a long last due to cardiac arrhythmia.


2011 New Zealand Derby
But while there were no arguments over his class, many doubted whether Jimmy Choux could sustain that brilliance and clear superiority over 2400m. His pedigree certainly suggested he would be restricted to races over no more than a mile.


2011 New Zealand Derby
Those doubts were proven unfounded in the most spectacular manner. Jimmy Choux was well back early in the race, then made a sudden and early move on the point of the home turn. He briefly looked vulnerable early in the run home, having already used up his customary turn of foot. Placegetters Historian and On The Level appeared to be rapidly gaining on the favourite. But Jimmy Choux was able to kick again inside the final 100m, drawing away to a comfortable two-length win.


2011 New Zealand Derby, Winner's details, The road to the Derby
Early-season appearances in 2010-11 prior to running in the Derby.


2011 New Zealand Derby, Winner's details, Subsequent Group 1 wins
Subsequent wins at Group 1 level by runners in the 2011 New Zealand Derby.


2011 New Zealand Grand Prix
The 2011 New Zealand Grand Prix event for open wheel racing cars was held at Manfeild Autocourse near Feilding on 13 February 2011. It was the fifty-sixth New Zealand Grand Prix and was open to Toyota Racing Series cars. The event was also the third race of the fourth round of the 2011 Toyota Racing Series.


2011 New Zealand Grand Prix
Sixteen Tatuus-Toyota cars started the race which was won by 16-year-old New Zealander Mitch Evans who became the youngest ever winner of the New Zealand Grand Prix and who is believed to have become the youngest driver to win an international grand prix anywhere in the world. The Giles Motorsport driver won by three seconds from another 16-year-old competitor, Russian Daniil Kvyat, of Victory Motor Racing. Australian ETEC Motorsport driver Scott Pye was third.


2011 New Zealand Grand Prix
Evans started from pole position alongside Nick Cassidy and won the drag race to the first corner. Evans, Cassidy, Kvyat and Pye quickly built a gap on the field.


2011 New Zealand Grand Prix
On lap 16 Cassidy spun, bringing to an end to the direct threat to the lead held by Evans who controlled the second half of the race from the front to win from Kvyat and Pye. British driver and grandson of 1964 and 1965 NZ Grand Prix winner, Josh Hill finished fourth winning a battle for the position with Australian Nick Foster. German driver Mario Farnbacher was sixth also winning his position battle with Russian Ivan Lukashevich. Cassidy finished a disappointing eighth ahead of Kotaro Sakurai and Jordan Skinner. New Zealand open-wheel legend Ken Smith also completed full race distance. Jamie McNee was the only other driver to be classified.


2011 New Zealand Grand Prix
Defending race champion Earl Bamber, a late entry into the race, withdrew on lap 19.


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election
The 2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election was held on 13 December 2011 to choose the thirteenth  Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party. A Deputy Leader and a senior and a junior whip were also elected. Following the Labour Party's loss in the 2011 general election, leader Phil Goff and deputy leader Annette King resigned, prompting the leadership election, which was conducted as a secret ballot of the Labour caucus.


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election
David Cunliffe, David Shearer and David Parker stood for the leadership, and Nanaia Mahuta and Grant Robertson contested the deputy position. Cunliffe and Mahuta ran as a ticket. During the campaign Parker pulled out of the race and endorsed Shearer. Shearer and Robertson won the votes for their respective positions. Chris Hipkins and Darien Fenton were chosen as the senior and junior whips, respectively.


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Background
At the 2008 general election, the Fifth Labour Government, led by Helen Clark, was defeated by John Key's National Party. Following Clark's election-night resignation, Phil Goff was unanimously elected as the party's leader, with Annette King as deputy, and Darren Hughes and Steve Chadwick as the senior and junior whips, respectively. The party lost more support in the 26 November 2011 general election; its popular vote dipped to 27% – its worst-ever result under the mixed-member proportional representation system – and its number of MPs was reduced from forty-three to thirty-four. On 29 November 2011, Goff and King announced their resignations, effective 13 December. New whips also had to be chosen because Rick Barker (who replaced Hughes as the senior whip in April 2011, following Hughes leaving Parliament) and Chadwick were not re-elected to Parliament.


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Candidates
Former Cabinet ministers David Cunliffe (MP for New Lynn) and Nanaia Mahuta (Hauraki-Waikato) ran as a ticket for the leadership and deputy leadership, respectively. Former minister and list MP David Parker and 2009 Mount Albert by-election winner David Shearer were candidates for the party leadership, and Wellington Central representative Grant Robertson sought the deputy leadership. Shane Jones considered standing for the deputy leadership, but in the end did not run. Parker stated his preference for Robertson as deputy leader. Shearer did not indicate a preferred deputy.


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Candidates
Shearer was viewed as unlikely to win the election; Claire Trevett of The New Zealand Herald originally expected that only Cunliffe and Parker would run for the leader's role, and The Dominion Post's Vernon Small wrote that "Mr Shearer's bid is seen as a way to lift his profile". Political commentator Bryce Edwards said that Cunliffe was the more appealing candidate to the public, and described Parker and Robertson as "sort of Phil Goff clones".


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Campaign
Labour Party president Moira Coatsworth stated that the leadership contest would be a "robust contest of ideas", and suggested to the party's caucus that a series of meetings with party members be held around New Zealand. These were held from 6 to 11 December in six major cities—Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland. The party membership was then encouraged to give feedback to the party caucus, who would vote in the election. On 30 November Cunliffe, Parker and Shearer were interviewed by Mark Sainsbury on the current affairs programme Close Up.


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Campaign
The television show held a text message poll in which viewers voted for their preferred leader of the party. Over 7,500 people took part; Shearer received 50% of the support, Cunliffe 31% and Parker 19%. The following day, Parker pulled out of the leadership race and put his support behind Shearer. Shearer and Cunliffe were interviewed by Guyon Espiner on political talkshow Q+A on 4 December. During the interview, both candidates indicated their support for the introduction of a capital gains tax, which was a key part of Labour's tax policy during the 2011 general election campaign.


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Campaign
Both also disagreed with the 2008 Employment Relations Amendment Act (90-day workplace trial), and wanted New Zealand to invest further in research and development; Shearer mentioned striving for a more green economy. On 9 December, Horizon Research released a demographically-weighted survey which found that 35.4% of adult New Zealanders supported Shearer's bid for the leadership, and 19.9% backed Cunliffe.


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Outcome and aftermath
The election took place on 13 December 2011 and comprised a secret ballot of the thirty-four Labour caucus members, meaning a candidate had to receive the support of eighteen MPs to win. Shearer was elected the party leader, Robertson the deputy leader, Chris Hipkins the senior whip and Darien Fenton the junior whip. Upon election, Shearer stated, "I am a fresh face for Labour and I represent a fresh start for New Zealand."


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Outcome and aftermath
Both One News' Espiner and 3 News reported that Shearer received about twenty-two of the thirty-four votes for the leadership position; however, Coatsworth stipulated that the election was secret and that she was the only person who had access to the ballot papers, which were destroyed. Robertson and Jacinda Ardern publicly supported Shearer, and Carmel Sepuloni backed Cunliffe.


2011 New Zealand Labour Party leadership election, Outcome and aftermath
On 19 December, Shearer announced a reshuffle of the Labour front bench—Parker replaced Cunliffe in the finance portfolio and number three ranking, Ardern took the number four spot as social development spokesperson, while Cunliffe moved down to number five and gained the economic development portfolio. Clayton Cosgrove (number six) became responsible for state owned enterprises and commerce, Jones (number seven) took regional development and fisheries and Mahuta (number eight) picked up education. Shearer himself took the science and innovation portfolio, while Robertson was made environment spokesperson.


2011 New Zealand Music Awards
The 2011 New Zealand Music Awards was the 46th holding of the annual ceremony featuring awards for musical artists based in or originating from New Zealand. Finalists for the three technical awards were announced on August 2011 with winners announced on 7 September, the date on which finalists for 16 'non-technical' categories were revealed. Five 'non-technical' awards were presented without a group of finalists being selected.


2011 New Zealand Music Awards
The awards ceremony took place on 3 November 2011 at Vector Arena, Auckland – this was later in the year than previous ceremonies, due to the 2011 Rugby World Cup being held in New Zealand in September and October. The ceremony was hosted by television presenter Shannon Ryan and comedian Ben Boyce and broadcast live on television channel Four.


2011 New Zealand Music Awards
The Naked and Famous won the most awards, with seven, including Album of the Year, Single of the Year and two technical awards. The band's nine nominations made it the most-nominated artist. Brooke Fraser won five awards, including Highest selling New Zealand Single and Highest selling New Zealand Album. Kimbra was awarded the Critics' Choice Prize, while Dragon won the Legacy Award, and so was inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame. The Naked and Famous, Ladi6, Fraser, Six60, Avalanche City, Tiki Taane and Supergroove all performed at the awards ceremony.


2011 New Zealand NBL season
The 2011 NBL season was the 30th season of the National Basketball League. In 2011, the Auckland Pirates debuted in the league but the Christchurch Cougars did not take part due to the effects of the 2011 Canterbury earthquake. The Harbour Heat also did not compete in the 2011 season, leaving the total number of teams at nine.


2011 New Zealand NBL season
The regular season commenced on Wednesday 13 April with the Auckland Pirates hosting the Otago Nuggets at ASB Stadium in Auckland. Six teams qualified for the NBL Playoffs, with the third and fourth seeds hosting quarterfinal games against the sixth and fifth seeds, respectively, on Tuesday 12 July. The winners then joined the first and second seeds at the final four weekend. Wellington's waterfront TSB Bank Arena hosted the 2011 NBL Final Four, with two semifinals on Friday 15 July and the championship game on Sunday 17 July.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season
The New Zealand Warriors 2011 season was the New Zealand Warriors 17th first-grade season. The club competed in Australasia's National Rugby League. The coach of the team is Ivan Cleary while Simon Mannering is the club's captain. The Warriors lost to the Manly Sea Eagles 10-24 in the 2011 NRL Grand Final. The Junior Warriors won the Toyota Cup for the second consecutive year while the Auckland Vulcans finished second in the NSW Cup.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season
The finals form of the Warriors in 2011 increased the NRL's television audience in New Zealand by 29 per cent this year.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Jersey and sponsors
In 2011 the Warriors jerseys were again made by Canterbury of New Zealand. They retained their black and white home and away jerseys originally released in 2009. They will wear a special all-black jersey with silver ferns around the logo for the Eden Park match. During the Heritage Round the Warriors wore a jersey based on the New Zealand Flag. Both special jerseys were worn again later in the season.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Jersey and sponsors
The Junior Warriors have their own jersey in 2011, designed by Daryl John, who won a competition run by sponsors Vodafone and Canterbury of New Zealand to design a New Jersey for the team.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Jersey and sponsors
Vodafone New Zealand were again the naming rights sponsor of the Warriors in 2011.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Jersey and sponsors
SKYCITY joined as a major sponsor for 2011, becoming the 'Home of the Vodafone Warriors'.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Fixtures
The Warriors opened the season by hosting the Parramatta Eels at Eden Park in Auckland. This was the first time that the Warriors played a home match away from Mount Smart Stadium. The remaining 11 home games were played at Mount Smart Stadium, their only home ground since they entered the competition in 1995.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Fixtures, Pre-season training
The main squad returned to training on 15 November 2010 to start preparing for the 2011 season. Players involved in the 2010 Four Nations and other representative matches returned to training later.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Fixtures, Pre-season matches
A fourth match was added to the Warriors schedule to raise money for the West Coast region after the Pike River Mine disaster. In a joint partnership with the NZRL, NRL and Newcastle Knights, all money raised was donated to the Pike River mining relief fund and the West Coast Rugby League. The teams arrived early on 3 February to carry out community appearances in the region.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Fixtures, Pre-season matches
The final trial match against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles was also later made a fundraiser match, with North Harbour Stadium donating all profits of the match to the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake victims.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Squad
The Warriors used thirty players during the season. Eight players made their debut for the club, including five who made their NRL debuts.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams
In 2011, the Junior Warriors again competed in the Toyota Cup while senior players who were not required for the first team played with the Auckland Vulcans in the NSW Cup.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams, 2011 Auckland Vulcans
The Auckland Vulcans were coached by former Warrior, Richie Blackmore. The Vulcans lost the NSW Cup Grand Final to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 28-30.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams, 2011 Auckland Vulcans
Grand Final Team: Glen Fisiiahi, Willie Peace, Sione Lousi, Ivan Penehe, Niuvao Taka; Brett Seymour, Pita Godinet; James Gavet, Alehana Mara, Jeremy Latimore; Ukuma Ta'ai, Matt Robinson; Isaac John (c). Interchange: Darin Kingi, Upu Poching, Steve Rapira, Anthony Gelling.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams, 2011 Auckland Vulcans
On 18 February the Vulcans announced the following eight-man squad, with a six-man reserve squad. The squad was topped up with Warriors squad members each week.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams, 2011 Auckland Vulcans
Upu Poching was the Player of the Year with Darin Kingi named as runner up. Willie Pearce Jnr was named the Rookie of the Year.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams, 2011 Junior Warriors
The Junior Warriors won the Toyota Cup, defeating the North Queensland Cowboys 31-30 in extra time in the Grand Final.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams, 2011 Junior Warriors
Grand Final Team: George Maka, Adam Henry, Sosaia Feki, Konrad Hurrell, DJ Collier, Carlos Tuimavave, Jordan Meads, Ligi Sao, Eko Malu, Donald Tony, Samiuela Lousi, Ben Henry [c], Sebastine Ikahihifo. Siliva Havili, Agnatius Paasi, Siua Taukeiaho, Toka Likiliki, Siulongua Fotofili, John Palavi.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams, 2011 Junior Warriors
Along with players from the Melbourne Storm, Cronulla Sharks, Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles, the new members of the Junior Warriors attended a Toyota Cup Rookie Camp on 11–12 December 2010 which was held in New Zealand for the first time. The camp provided extensive training in media, cultural awareness, drugs and alcohol, social media, money matters, community work, social responsibility and personal presentation.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams, 2011 Junior Warriors
The Junior Warriors squad was again captained by Ben Henry and included Stephen Shennan, Omar Slaimankhel, Vili Lolohea, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Konrad Hurrell, Sosaia Feki, James TePou, Carlos Tuimavave, Jordan Meads, Siliva Havili, Henry Chan-Ting, Sam Lousi, Sheldon Brown, Adam Henry, Toka Likiliki, Agnatius Paasi, Lance Su'a-Poe, Anthony Lama, Siulongua Fotofili, Eddie Aki, Donald Tony, Levi Holland, DJ Collier, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Nathaniel Peteru, Sirovai Makatoa, Simon Gibson, Ben Kingi, Falaniko Leilua, Kane Hannan, Eko Malu, John Palavi, Malakai Houma and Chris Ofanoa.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Other teams, 2011 Junior Warriors
Omar Slaimankhel, Konrad Hurrell, Carlos Tuimavave and coach John Ackland were all named in the Toyota Cup team of the year. John Palavi was named the Vodafone NYC Player of the Year, Siliva Havili won the TNT NYC Young Player of the Year award and Donald Tony was named the DeWalt NYC Club Person of the Year.


2011 New Zealand Warriors season, Awards
Simon Mannering won the Lion Red Player of the Year award, becoming only the second double winner of the award. Shaun Johnson won the Vodafone NRL Young Player of the Year Award while Jerome Ropati won the Canterbury of New Zealand Club Person of the Year Award and Kevin Locke won the Vodafone People's Choice Award.


2011 New Zealand bravery awards
The 2011 New Zealand bravery awards were announced via a Special Honours List on 2 April 2011. Some recipients were recognised for acts of bravery following the Napier shootings that occurred on 7 May 2009.


2011 New Zealand budget
The New Zealand budget for fiscal year 2011-2012 was presented to the New Zealand House of Representatives by Finance Minister Bill English on 19 May 2011.


2011 New Zealand budget
This was the third budget Bill English has presented as Minister of Finance.


2011 New Zealand budget, Outline
Budget 2011 was delivered following earthquakes which devastated Christchurch and included a $5.5 billion rebuild package for the city.


2011 New Zealand budget, Outline
The 2011 Budget was a "zero Budget" meaning no net new spending over four years. $5.2 billion was prioritised over four years for spending on mostly targeted at health, education and infrastructure. Individual and employer KiwiSaver contributions were increased.


2011 New Zealand budget, Outline
The Budget announced the part-sale of five state-owned enterprises with the Government keeping majority (51%) control.


2011 New Zealand budget, Outline
The 2011 Budget forecast a return to fiscal surplus to 2014/15.


2011 New Zealand gallantry awards
The 2011 New Zealand gallantry awards were announced via a Special Honours List on 1 October 2011, although the awards made to Serviceman A and Serviceman F were not made public until 8 March 2018 for security reasons. All the awards were made in recognition of actions by New Zealand armed forces personnel in Afghanistan during 2010.


2011 New Zealand general election
The 2011 New Zealand general election on Saturday 26 November 2011 determined the membership of the 50th New Zealand Parliament.


2011 New Zealand general election
One hundred and twenty-one MPs were elected to the New Zealand House of Representatives, 70 from single-member electorates, and 51 from party lists including one overhang seat. New Zealand since 1996 has used the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system, giving voters two votes: one for a political party and the other for their local electorate MP. A referendum on the voting system was held at the same time as the election, with voters voting by majority to keep the MMP system.


2011 New Zealand general election
A total of 3,070,847 people were registered to vote in the election, with over 2.2 million votes cast and a turnout of 74.21% – the lowest turnout since 1887. The incumbent National Party, led by John Key, gained the plurality with 47.3% of the party vote and 59 seats, two seats short of holding a majority. The opposing Labour Party, led by Phil Goff, lost ground winning 27.5% of the vote and 34 seats, while the Green Party won 11.1% of the vote and 14 seats – the biggest share of the party vote for a minor party since 1996. New Zealand First, having won no seats in 2008 due to its failure to either reach the 5% threshold or win an electorate, made a comeback with 6.6% of the vote entitling them to eight seats.


2011 New Zealand general election
National's confidence and supply partners in the 49th Parliament meanwhile suffered losses. ACT New Zealand won less than a third of the party vote it received in 2008, reducing from five seats to one. The Māori Party was reduced from five seats to three, as the party vote split between the Māori Party and former Māori Party MP Hone Harawira's Mana Party. United Future lost party votes, but retained their one seat in Parliament.


2011 New Zealand general election
Following the election, National reentered into confidence and supply agreements with ACT and United Future on 5 December 2011, and with the Māori Party on 11 December 2011, to form a minority government with a seven-seat majority (64 seats to 57) and give the Fifth National Government a second term in office.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Election date and other key dates
The election date was set as Saturday 26 November 2011, as predicted by the media. Breaking with tradition, Prime Minister John Key announced the election date in February. Traditionally, the election date is a closely guarded secret, announced as late as possible. The date follows the tradition of holding the general election on the last Saturday of November unless the schedule is interrupted by a snap election or to circumvent holding a by-election.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Election date and other key dates
The Governor-General must issue writs for an election within seven days of the expiration or dissolution of Parliament. Under section 17 of the Constitution Act 1986, Parliament expires three years "from the day fixed for the return of the writs issued for the last preceding general election of members of the House of Representatives, and no longer." The writs for the previous general election were returnable on 27 November 2008. As a result, the 49th Parliament would have expired, if not dissolved earlier, on 27 November 2011.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Election date and other key dates
As that day was a Sunday, the last available working day was 25 November 2011. Consequently, the last day for issuance of writs of election was 2 December 2011. Except in some circumstances (such a recount or the death/incapacitation of an electorate candidate), the writs must be returned within 50 days of their issuance with the last possible working day being 20 January 2012. Because polling day must be a Saturday, the last possible polling date for the election was 7 January 2012, allowing time for the counting of special votes.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Election date and other key dates
The Christmas/New Year holiday period made the last realistic date for the election Saturday 10 December 2011. The Rugby World Cup 2011 was hosted by New Zealand between 9 September and 23 October 2011, and ruled out all the possible election dates in this period. This left two possible windows for the general election: on or before 2 September and 29 October to 10 December.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Election date and other key dates
However, as the recount of the Waitakere was not completed in time for the writ to be returned on 15 December, the return of the writ was delayed to 17 December 2011.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, 49th Parliament, 2008–2011
Following the 2008 general election, National Party leader and Prime Minister John Key announced a confidence and supply agreement with ACT, the Māori Party and United Future to form the Fifth National Government. These arrangements gave the National-led government a majority of 16 seats, with 69 on confidence-and-supply in the 122-seat Parliament.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, 49th Parliament, 2008–2011
Labour, Greens and the Progressives are all in opposition, although only the Labour and Progressive parties formally constitute the formal Opposition; the Greens have a minor agreement with the government but are not committed to confidence and supply support.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, 49th Parliament, 2008–2011
At the 2008 election, the National Party had 58 seats, the Labour Party 43 seats, Green Party 9 seats, ACT and Māori Party five each, and Progressive and United Future one each. During the Parliament session, two members defected from their parties – Chris Carter was expelled from Labour in August 2010, and Hone Harawira left the Māori Party in February 2011. Carter continued as an independent, while Harawira resigned from parliament to recontest his Te Tai Tokerau electorate in a by-election under his newly formed Mana Party. Two MPs resigned from Parliament before the end of the session, John Carter of National and Chris Carter, but as they resigned within 6 months of an election, their seats remained vacant.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, 49th Parliament, 2008–2011
At the dissolution of the 49th parliament on 20 October 2011, National held 57 seats, Labour 42 seats, Green 9 seats, ACT 5 seats, Māori 4 seats, and Progressive, United Future and Mana one each.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Marginal seats in 2008
At the 2008 election, the following seats were won by a majority of less than 1000 votes:


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, MPs retiring in 2011
Nineteen MPs, including all five ACT MPs and the sole Progressive MP, intended to retire at the end of the 49th Parliament. One of the ACT MPs, John Boscawen, contested Tāmaki, but did not expect to win and was not on the party list. National MP Allan Peachey died three weeks before the election.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Electorate boundaries
Electorates in the election were the same as at the 2008 election.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Electorate boundaries
Electorates and their boundaries in New Zealand are reviewed every five years after the New Zealand census. The last review took place in 2007, following the 2006 census. The next review is not due until 2014, following the 2013 census (the 2011 census was cancelled due to the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake).


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Election procedures
On 17 September 2010, Justice Minister Simon Power announced the government was introducing legislation making this the first election where voters would be able to re-enrol completely on-line. Enrolments on-line beforehand still required the election form to be printed, signed, and sent by post.


2011 New Zealand general election, Background, Election procedures
Voters in the Christchurch region were encouraged to cast their votes before election day if they had doubt about being able to get to a polling booth on election day or to avoid long queues, as many traditional polling booths are unavailable due to the earthquakes. Nineteen advance voting stations were made available, with three of them campervans, which are usually only used in rural areas of New Zealand. The Christchurch Central electorate, for example, has 33 polling stations in 2011 compared to 45 in 2008.


2011 New Zealand general election, Contesting parties and candidates
At the close of nominations, 544 individuals had been nominated to contest the election, down from 682 at the 2008 election. Of those, 91 were list-only, 73 were electorate-only (43 from registered parties, 17 independents, and 13 from non-registered parties), and 380 contested both list and electorate.


2011 New Zealand general election, Contesting parties and candidates
Political parties registered with the Electoral Commission on Writ Day can contest the general election as a party, allowing it to submit a party list to contend the party vote, and have a party election expenses limit in addition to individual candidate limits. At Writ Day, sixteen political parties were registered to contend the general election. At the close of nominations, thirteen registered parties had put forward a party list to the commission to contest the party vote, down from nineteen in 2008.


2011 New Zealand general election, Contesting parties and candidates
The Kiwi Party, the New Citizen Party and the Progressive Party were registered, but did not contend the election under their own banners. The Kiwi Party and the New Citizen Party stood candidates for the Conservative Party.


2011 New Zealand general election, Contesting parties and candidates
In addition to the registered parties and their candidates, thirteen candidates from nine non-registered parties contested electorates. The Human Rights Party contested Auckland Central, the Communist League Manukau East and Mount Roskill, the Nga Iwi Morehu Movement contested Hauraki-Waikato and Te Tai Hauauru, the Pirate Party contested Hamilton East and Wellington Central, the Sovereignty Party contested Clutha-Southland and Te Tai Hauauru, Economic Euthenics contested Wigram, New Economics contested Wellington Central, Restore All Things In Christ contested Dunedin South, and the Youth Party contested West Coast-Tasman.


2011 New Zealand general election, Contesting parties and candidates
Seventeen independent candidates also contested the electorates in thirteen electorates: Christchurch Central, Coromandel, Epsom (two), Hamilton West (two), New Plymouth, Ōtaki, Rangitikei (two), Rongotai, Tāmaki (two), Tauranga, Waitaki, Wellington Central, and Ikaroa-Rawhiti


2011 New Zealand general election, Campaigning, Epsom and the Tea Tape scandal
On 11 November, National Party leader John Key met with John Banks, the ACT candidate for Epsom, over a cup of tea at a cafe in Newmarket to send a signal to Epsom voters about voting tactically. The National Party passively campaigned for Epsom voters to give their electorate vote to ACT while giving their party vote to National. This would allow ACT to bypass the 5% party vote threshold and enter Parliament by winning an electorate seat, thereby providing a coalition partner for National.


2011 New Zealand general election, Campaigning, Epsom and the Tea Tape scandal
However, in October and November 2011, polls of the Epsom electorate vote taken by various companies showed that the National candidate for Epsom, Paul Goldsmith, was leading in the polls and likely to win the seat. During the meeting, the two politicians' discussion was recorded by a device left on the table in a black pouch. The recording tapes were leaked to The Herald on Sunday newspaper, and subsequently created a media frenzy over the content of the unreleased tapes.


2011 New Zealand general election, Campaigning, Debates
TVNZ held three party leaders' debates: two between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, and one between the leaders of the smaller parties. TV3 hosted a single debate between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.


2011 New Zealand general election, Campaigning, Pre-election coalition preferences
The National Party ruled out working with New Zealand First's Winston Peters after the election. ACT confirmed it would work with National after the elections.


2011 New Zealand general election, Campaigning, Pre-election coalition preferences
The Labour Party leader Phil Goff ruled out a coalition agreement with Hone Harawira's new Mana Party, but left open the possibility of reaching an agreement with New Zealand First.


2011 New Zealand general election, Campaigning, Pre-election coalition preferences
In the 16 November minor parties debate, leaders from the minor parties stated their preferences:


2011 New Zealand general election, Campaigning, Media bias
A Massey University study released in November 2012 suggested newspaper coverage was favourable towards National and John Key. In the month leading up to the election, the big four newspapers in New Zealand – The New Zealand Herald, The Herald on Sunday, The Dominion Post and The Sunday Star-Times – printed 72 percent more photos of Key than his opponent, Phil Goff, and devoted twice as many column inches of text coverage.


2011 New Zealand general election, Opinion polling
The nature of the Mixed Member Proportional voting system, whereby the share of seats in Parliament a party gets is determined by its share of the nationwide party vote, means aside from normal polling bias and error, opinion polling in New Zealand is fairly accurate in predicting the outcome of an election compared with other countries.


2011 New Zealand general election, Opinion polling
Opinion polls were undertaken periodically since the 2008 election by MediaWorks New Zealand (3 News Reid Research), The New Zealand Herald (Herald Digipoll), Roy Morgan Research, and Television New Zealand (One News Colmar Brunton), with polls having also being conducted by Fairfax Media (Fairfax Media Research International) since July 2011. The graph on the right shows the collated results of all five polls for parties that have polled above the 5% electoral threshold.


2011 New Zealand general election, Opinion polling
After the 2008 election, National gained in popularity, and since 2009 has regularly polled in the 50-55% range, peaking at 55% in August 2009 and October 2011, before falling to 51% in the week before the election. Labour and Green meanwhile kept steady after the election at 31-34% and 7-8% respectively until July 2011, when Labour started to lose support, falling to just 26% before the election. The majority of Labour's loss was the Green's gain, rising to 13% in the same period. No other party peaked on average above 5% in the period.


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Electorate results
Prior to the election, the National Party held the majority of the electorate seats with 41. Labour held 20 seats, Māori held four seats, and ACT, Mana, Progressive, United Future and an ex-Labour independent held one seat each.


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Electorate results
After the election, National gained one seat to hold 42 seats, Labour gained three seats to hold 23 electorates, Māori lost one seat to hold three, and ACT, Mana, and United Future held steady with one seat each. A National or Labour candidate took second place in all the general electorates except Rodney, where it was Conservative Party leader Colin Craig.


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Electorate results
In eleven electorates, the incumbents did not seek re-election, and new MPs were elected. In Coromandel, North Shore, Northland, Rangitikei, Rodney and Tāmaki, the seats were passed from incumbent National MPs to new National MPs; in Epsom, the seat was passed from the incumbent ACT MP to the new ACT MP; and in Dunedin North and Manurewa, the seats were passed from incumbent Labour MPs to new Labour MPs. Labour also won Te Atatū from the retiring ex-Labour independent, and Wigram from the retiring Progressive MP.


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Electorate results
Of the 59 seats where the incumbent sought re-election, four changed hands. In West Coast-Tasman, Labour's Damien O'Connor regained the seat from National's Chris Auchinvole, who defeated him for the seat in 2008. In Waimakariri, National's Kate Wilkinson defeated Labour MP Clayton Cosgrove, and in Te Tai Tonga, Labour's Rino Tirikatene defeated Maori Party MP Rahui Katene. Christchurch Central on election night ended with incumbent Labour MP Brendon Burns and National's Nicky Wagner tied on 10,493 votes each, and on official counts, swung to Nicky Wagner with a 45-vote majority, increasing to 47 votes on a judicial recount. Despite losing their electorate seats, Chris Auchinvole and Clayton Cosgrove were re-elected into parliament via the party list.


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Electorate results
On election night, Waitakere was won by incumbent National MP Paula Bennett with a 349-vote majority over Labour's Carmel Sepuloni. On official counts, it swung to Sepuloni with a majority of 11 votes, and Bennett subsequently requested a judicial recount, and on the recount, the seat swung back to Bennett with a majority of nine votes. Bennett was declared elected, and Sepuloni was not returned via the party list due to her list ranking, being replaced in the Labour caucus with Raymond Huo.


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Electorate results
Five electorates returned with the winner having a majority of less than one thousand – Waitakere (9), Christchurch Central (47), Waimakariri (642), Auckland Central (717) and Tāmaki Makaurau (936).


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Electorate results
The table below shows the results of the 2011 general election:


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, List results
The election was notable for the entry in Parliament of New Zealand's first ever profoundly deaf MP, Mojo Mathers, number 14 on the Green Party's list.


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Changes in MPs
In total, 25 new MPs were elected to Parliament, and three former MPs returned.


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Changes in MPs
New MPs:Scott Simpson,Maggie Barry,Mike Sabin,Ian McKelvie,Mark Mitchell,Simon O'Connor,Alfred Ngaro,Jian Yang,Paul Goldsmith,David Clark,Rino Tirikatene,Megan Woods,Andrew Little,Eugenie Sage,Jan Logie,Steffan Browning,Denise Roche,Holly Walker,Julie Anne Genter,Tracey Martin,Andrew Williams,Richard Prosser,Denis O'Rourke,Asenati Taylor,Brendan Horan


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Changes in MPs
Defeated MPs who later returned during the 50th ParliamentAaron Gilmore,Carol Beaumont,Kelvin Davis


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Election expenses
The Electoral Commission released party electoral expense returns on 21 March 2012, stating how much each party spent on campaigning between 26 August and 25 November 2011. Candidate only expenses were excluded.


2011 New Zealand general election, Results, Election expenses
Of note in the party expenses was the $1.88 million spent by the Conservative Party, spending more than but gaining less than one-tenth of the votes of the Labour Party. Translated into dollars spent per party vote gained, the Conservatives spent $31.71 per vote, compared to Labour's $2.91 and National's $2.19.


2011 New Zealand general election, Post-election events, Changes in party leadership
For the ACT party the mediocre election results on 26 November 2011 (1.1% of the party vote, with no list MPs, 1 electorate MP) resulted in Don Brash tendering his resignation as leader, stating that he took full responsibility for the party's poor performance.


2011 New Zealand general election, Post-election events, Changes in party leadership
On 29 November the leader of the Labour party Phil Goff and the deputy leader Annette King tendered their resignations to a meeting of the caucus, effective on Tuesday 13 December 2011. After a fortnight-long leadership campaign and election, David Shearer, with deputy Grant Robertson, won Labour caucus support over the ticket of David Cunliffe and Nanaia Mahuta.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season
The 2011 New Zealand rugby league season was the 104th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the National Competition run by the New Zealand Rugby League. The premier teams competed for the Albert Baskerville Trophy, which was won by the Auckland Pride when they defeated the South Island Scorpions 44 - 34 in the Grand Final.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
The New Zealand national rugby league team were going to host the ANZAC Test for the first time since 1998, as the match was originally announced to be played in Christchurch's AMI Stadium on 6 May. However, following the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake this decision was reviewed and on 4 March it was announced the match would be played at the Skilled Park on the Gold Coast. New Zealand lost the match 10–20.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
New Zealand were coached by Stephen Kearney and included Lance Hohaia, debutant Matt Duffie, Simon Mannering, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Jason Nightingale, captain Benji Marshall, Kieran Foran, Steve Rapira, Nathan Fien, Sam McKendry, Adam Blair, Bronson Harrison, Jeremy Smith, Isaac Luke, Ben Matulino, Fuifui Moimoi and debutant Lewis Brown. Greg Eastwood and Gerard Beale were in the squad as 18th and 19th man respectively.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
The Kiwis were to play a Test match against the Cook Islands in Rarotonga on 7 October, however this was later called off due to the unavailability of 29 players.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
The Kiwis lost to Australia 42-6 on 16 October in Newcastle before heading to England to compete in the Four Nations tournament in October and November. The Kiwis lost to Australia 12–26, bet Wales 36-0 before losing to England 6-28 to end their Four Nations campaign.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
The squad for these Test matches was Gerard Beale, Alex Glenn, Jeremy Smith, Kieran Foran, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Bill Tupou, Adam Blair, Sika Manu, Kevin Proctor, Lewis Brown, Kevin Locke, Simon Mannering, Ben Matulino, Russell Packer, Elijah Taylor, Fuifui Moimoi, Sam McKendry, Jason Nightingale, Nathan Fien, Issac Luke, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Benji Marshall (c) and Thomas Leuluai. Steve Matai, Shaun Johnson, Krisnan Inu and Manu Vatuvei were originally selected but withdrew from the squad. New Zealand lost their first Four Nations match 26-12 to Australia.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
In response to the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake a Legends of League charity match was organised at Mount Smart Stadium on 10 March. The teams were, New Zealand: Richie Barnett, Sean Hoppe, David Kidwell, Ruben Wiki (C), Sam Panapa, Olsen Filipaina, Stacey Jones, Joe Vagana, Monty Betham, Jerry Seuseu, Kurt Sorensen, Tawera Nikau and Hugh McGahan. Bench: Gary Freeman, Duane Mann, Paul Rauhihi, Logan Swann, Dean Affleck (TradeMe winner), Quentin Pongia, Awen Guttenbeil, Dean Bell and Francis Leota.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
Australia: David Peachey, Hazem El Masri, David Myles, Tea Ropati, Nathan Blacklock, Scott Hill, Clayton Friend, Mark Horo, Ben Elias (C), Craig Smith, Paul Langmack, John Hopoate, Kevin Campion. Bench: Jason Death, James Goulding, Bruce McGuire, Mark Bosnich, Billy Peden, John Cornwell (TradeMe winner), Jason Williams and Alex Chan. New Zealand won 32-22 and the match raised over $100,000.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
Auckland won the Women's National Tournament. The Kiwi Ferns will play a Test against Australia on 15 October in the Gold Coast.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
The New Zealand Residents played a match against the New Zealand Māori Residents on 30 October, winning 32–22. The Residents team was coached by Brent Stuart, assisted by Brent Gemmell and included Philip Pese (Auckland), Junior Salevao (South Island), Ruben Williams (Waicoa Bay), Bruce Havea (South Island), Peta Hiku (Counties Manukau), Matt Everitt (Wellington), Hayden Karena (Waicoa Bay), Jaye Pukepuke (South Island), Darren Kingi (Counties Manukau), Soape Kavaliku (Auckland), Suaia Matagi (Auckland), James Baxendale (South Island), Manu Mau (Auckland). Interchange: Kyle Leka (South Island), Dwayne Waterman (Wellington), William Heta (Counties Manukau), Manu Weepu (South Island). Reserve: Richard Graham (Mid Central). The New Zealand Māori Residents included Api Pewhairangi, Rusty Bristow and Jeremiah Pai.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
The Junior Kiwis defeated the Junior Kangaroos 28–16 in a one off test match as a curtain raiser to the Newcastle Test match. The squad was coached by David Kidwell and included Kenneath Bromwich and Tohu Harris (Melbourne Storm), Sosaia Feki, Siliva Havili, Omar Slaimankhel, Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Carlos Tuimavave, Adam Henry, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Samiuela Lousi, Agnatius Paasi and John Palavi (Warriors), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Wests Tigers), Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders), Andrew Pelasio (Penrith Panthers), Michael Parker-Walshe, Jason Taumalolo and Wayne Ulugia (North Queensland Cowboys).


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
The Under-18 New Zealand side played two matches against the Australian Schoolboys in New Zealand. They won the first match 28-26 before losing the second 16–40. The New Zealand Under-16 side drew a match against a Queensland Academy of Sport team 14-all. Queensland Academy of Sport earlier played New Zealand Māori under-16's side.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
Benji Marshall won the New Zealand Rugby League's Kiwi Player of the Year award while Shaun Johnson won the Kiwi Rookie of the Year award. Jason Taumalolo was the Junior Player of the Year while Matt Everitt (Wellington) was the Domestic Player of the Year, Akenehe Pereira (Wellington) was the Women's Player of the Year and Henry Perenara was the Match Official of the Year. The Porirua Vikings were the Grassroots Club of the Year. Benji Marshall won Rugby League International Federation's Standoff of the Year award.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, International competitions
At its annual general meeting the New Zealand Rugby League appointed Sir Peter Leitch as Patron, replacing Helen Clark. Trevor Maxwell was reappointed President of the NZRL for a further two years while Meng Foon was elected as an elected Director for the next three years. NZRL Chairman Scott Carter was appointed the Rugby League International Federation's chairman in June - the first New Zealander to hold the position. On 31 May NZRL Director Mark Gosche was elected the Chairperson of the Asia-Pacific Rugby League Confederation.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, National competitions, Rugby League Cup
The Rugby League Cup is currently held by Cantebury, who did not defend it in 2010.


2011 New Zealand rugby league season, National competitions, National Competition
2011 was the second year of the National Competition. Auckland zone were the defending champions. Under 17 and Under 15 competitions were again held alongside the senior competition. Auckland, Counties Manukau and the South Island adopted new nicknames in 2011 while the Heartland side renamed itself the Central Vipers.