As the growth of criminology in New Zealand continues, a historical overview can provide an important social and historical context to the development of significant institutions and research agendas. This chapter introduces the reader to the key milestones in the history of New Zealand criminology. It makes reference to contributors, funders, events, and the historical role of major institutions. It also demonstrates the links that connect academic criminology to other disciplines, community organisations, and government agencies, conceptualises how and why academic criminology has emerged in New Zealand, and outlines the challenges the discipline has faced over time.