New Zealand Regional Anniversary Days
In addition to national public holidays, New Zealand recognises regional anniversary days — local public holidays that celebrate the founding of each province. These days are observed only in the relevant region.
All Regional Anniversary Days 2026–2028
Auckland Anniversary Day
Auckland
Celebrates the founding of Auckland province. The closest Monday to 29 January.
Wellington Anniversary Day
Wellington
Celebrates the founding of Wellington province. The closest Monday to 22 January.
Canterbury Anniversary Day
Canterbury
Celebrates the founding of Canterbury province. The second Friday before the first Saturday in December.
Otago Anniversary Day
Otago
Celebrates the founding of Otago province. The closest Monday to 23 March.
Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
Hawke's Bay
Celebrates the founding of Hawke's Bay province. The Friday before Labour Day.
Taranaki Anniversary Day
Taranaki
Celebrates the founding of Taranaki province. The second Monday in March.
Southland Anniversary Day
Southland
Celebrates the founding of Southland province. Tuesday following Easter Monday.
Nelson Anniversary Day
Nelson
Celebrates the founding of Nelson province. The closest Monday to 1 February.
Westland Anniversary Day
West Coast
Celebrates the founding of Westland province. The closest Monday to 1 December.
Marlborough Anniversary Day
Marlborough
Celebrates the founding of Marlborough province. The closest Monday to 1 November.
Chatham Islands Anniversary Day
Chatham Islands
Celebrates the founding of Chatham Islands. The closest Monday to 30 November.
About Regional Anniversary Days
New Zealand's regional anniversary days are local public holidays that commemorate the founding of each province. They date back to the provincial government era of the 1850s–1870s, when New Zealand was divided into provinces, each with its own anniversary.
Unlike national public holidays, regional anniversary days apply only in the relevant region. Employers in those regions are required to give employees the day off (or pay them accordingly if they work). Whether a particular business observes the regional anniversary may depend on industry, enterprise agreement, or individual employment contracts.
If you're unsure whether the regional anniversary day applies to your employment, check with Employment New Zealand or your employment agreement.