From this year, the final reverted to a single game, rather than a two-legged tie as had been the case for the previous three years' competitions. The final was very one-sided, with
Christchurch United equalling the record of seven goals set by
Seatoun in
1958. The aggregate of eight goals in the final also equalled the competition record.
Mike McGarry became the tenth player to score a Chatham Cup final hat-trick, the first since Graham Dacombe's four goals - also for Christchurch United - in
1972. Christchurch United's
Johan Verweij became the first player to score in three successive Chatham Cup finals.
Steve Sumner also entered the record books by being the first player to pick up a sixth cup-winner's medal. The match went according to the form-book. Despite their fairy-tale run to the final, northern league side
Rotorua City were no match for the previous year's
national league champions. City keeper Dave Harris had a busy day, and despite making several good saves it was 5–0 by the half-time break, with goals from
Keith Braithwaite, McGarry (twice), Verweij, and Laurence Fitzpatrick. In the second spell Steve Sumner added his name to the scorebook before McGarry completed his hat-trick. A Shane Zohs penalty in the 80th minute was a mere consolation for a Rotorua side well beaten. The Jack Batty Memorial Trophy for player of the final was awarded to
Mike McGarry of Christchurch United. ==Results==