1979 National Provincial Championship  The National Provincial Championship, or NPC, was the predecessor to the current Air New Zealand Cup and Heartland Championship in New Zealand rugby. 1979 was the fourth year of the National Provincial Championship, Counties were the winners of Division 1. These were the NPC Division 1 standings for the 1979 season. As the bottom placed North Island team, Taranaki were automatically relegated. Division Two North winner Hawkes Bay were promoted to Division One. Otago faced Division Two South winner Marlborough, defeating them 15-13, and remained in Division One. Division 2 North (In Order of Final Placing)  Division 2 South (In Order of Final Placing)  North Auckland began the season as holders having defeated Manawatu the season before. They defended the Shield in 5 matches before being defeated by Auckland. Auckland then successfully defended against Counties in the final match of the season that pitted the Shield holders against the National Champions. North Auckland  Auckland