Number One Hits: 1980 - 1989

The 1980s was the decade the music video boom began. New Zealand music was well represented when it came to number one singles, as you can see below. In February 1980 Jon Stephens became (and remains) the only Kiwi to knock themselves off the top of the charts, when 'Montego Bay' replaced 'Jezebel' at number one. In 1981 The Screaming Meemees' 'See Me Go'‘ was the first local single to enter the charts at pole position, and in 1984 'Poi E' reached the top spot despite little airplay. In 1986 'Sailing Away' set records for the most consecutive weeks at number one (nine) by a Kiwi artist.