The Plunket Shield started in 1906 and was presented by the then governor-general, Lord Plunket, and was played on a challenge basis between then and 1920-21 (and usually won by either Canterbury or Auckland) since which time it has been a league. The original four teams - Auckland, Canterbury, Otago and Wellington - were joined by Central Districts in 1950-51 and Northern Districts in 1956-57. The instigation of the Shell Trophy in 1975-76 saw the system revamped.
State Championship
2001-02 Auckland
2002-03 Auckland
2003-04 Wellington
Auckland and Wellington have won the title outright 20 times, Canterbury 14, Otago 13, Central Districts 6, Northern Districts 4. Central Districts and Northern Districts also shared the title once.
