Auckland Anniversary Day
Encyclopedia
Auckland Anniversary Day is a public holiday
observed in the northern half of the North Island
of New Zealand
. It is observed throughout the historic Auckland Province
(not just the present-day Auckland Region
) even though the provinces of New Zealand
were abolished in 1876. The holiday usually falls on the Monday closest to 29 January, the anniversary of the arrival of William Hobson
, later the first Governor of New Zealand, in the Bay of Islands
in 1840.
Auckland Anniversary Day was established by Governor Hobson's direction, over Willoughby Shortland
's signature, in 1842. The New Zealand Government Gazette
of 26 January, 1842 (Volume 2, 4th Edition) carried a notice stating
, the largest single-day regatta in the world, takes place on this long weekend holiday.
Public holidays in New Zealand
Holidays in New Zealand can refer to publicly observed holidays or to a holiday period.-National Public holidays:In New Zealand there are two types of national public holidays, those that are 'Mondayised' and those that are not....
observed in the northern half of the North Island
North Island
The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand, separated from the much less populous South Island by Cook Strait. The island is in area, making it the world's 14th-largest island...
of New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
. It is observed throughout the historic Auckland Province
Auckland Province
The Auckland Province was a province of New Zealand from 1853 until the abolition of provincial government in 1876.-Anniversary Day:...
(not just the present-day Auckland Region
Auckland Region
The Auckland Region was one of the sixteen regions of New Zealand, named for the city of Auckland, the country's largest urban area. With one third of the nation's residents, it was by far the biggest population and economy of any region of New Zealand, but the second-smallest land area.On 1...
) even though the provinces of New Zealand
Provinces of New Zealand
The Provinces of New Zealand existed from 1841 until 1876 as a form of sub-national government. They were replaced by counties, which were themselves replaced by districts.Following abolition, the provinces became known as provincial districts...
were abolished in 1876. The holiday usually falls on the Monday closest to 29 January, the anniversary of the arrival of William Hobson
William Hobson
Captain William Hobson RN was the first Governor of New Zealand and co-author of the Treaty of Waitangi.-Early life:...
, later the first Governor of New Zealand, in the Bay of Islands
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands is an area in the Northland Region of the North Island of New Zealand. Located 60 km north-west of Whangarei, it is close to the northern tip of the country....
in 1840.
Auckland Anniversary Day was established by Governor Hobson's direction, over Willoughby Shortland
Willoughby Shortland
Commander Willoughby Shortland RN was a British naval officer and colonial administrator. He was New Zealand's first Colonial Secretary from 1841, after having arrived in New Zealand with Lieutenant Governor William Hobson in January 1840...
's signature, in 1842. The New Zealand Government Gazette
The New Zealand Gazette
The New Zealand Gazette - Te Kahiti o Aotearoa is the official newspaper of the Government of New Zealand. It is published every Thursday, and a Customs Edition is published each Tuesday. Special editions are published twice a year to cover the New Year Honours and Queen's Birthday Honours....
of 26 January, 1842 (Volume 2, 4th Edition) carried a notice stating
"Saturday, the 29th instant, being the SECOND ANNIVERSARY of the establishment of the Colony, His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to direct that day to be held a GENERAL HOLIDAY, on which occasion the Public Offices will be closed."
Events
The Auckland Anniversary RegattaAuckland Anniversary Regatta
The first Auckland Anniversary Regatta took place in 1840 and has grown to become one of the largest single day regattas and is the oldest sporting event in New Zealand. The number of boats entered in 2008 was 400 which when compared to the Sydney Australia Day Regatta entry of 120 gives an...
, the largest single-day regatta in the world, takes place on this long weekend holiday.