- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- AppreciationCivicHistorical
- Where:
- New Zealand
- Date change rule:
- Tuesday after Easter Sunday
- Holiday emoji:
- 🇳🇿
Southland Anniversary marks a public holiday in New Zealand’s Southland Region every Tuesday after Easter. This day commemorates the official formation of the Province of Southland. Join local festivities, explore historical events, and appreciate the region’s unique culture.
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Expected Southland Anniversary Deals
Southland Anniversary is a day for community celebration and local appreciation rather than widespread commercial deals. Local businesses, eateries, and attractions in towns like Invercargill and Gore often host special events, offer discounts, or extend opening hours. Look for family-friendly fairs, markets showcasing regional produce, and cultural performances. Many local museums and heritage sites may offer free or reduced admission. Support local artisans and businesses, and participate in community-organized historical reenactments or educational talks. We will update this page with confirmed local events as April approaches.
Platform Guide for Southland Anniversary
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SouthlandAnniversary. Share photos and videos of local events and celebrations.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SouthlandAnniversary. Post visually appealing content of Southland’s landscapes, history, and community gatherings.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #SouthlandAnniversary. Share news, updates, and historical facts about the Southland region.
Southland Anniversary Hero
James Macandrew
History of Southland Anniversary
The province of Southland was formed on April 1, 1861, when it split from the province of Otago. Southland Province was disbanded in November 1876 as part of the Abolition of the Provinces Act, although an anniversary day is still recognized for the province as it is for much of New Zealand. The three southern mayors determined in December 2011 that Southland Anniversary Day should be held on Easter Tuesday.
Southland is a land of jagged coasts and undulating plains on New Zealand’s South Island. In Southland, there is a lot to see and do. You can find evidence of New Zealand’s history everywhere, from early Mori heritage to the legendary Burt Munro to the petrified forest on the Catlins Coast. The first Europeans to arrive on the southern coast of the South Island were sealers in the late 1700s. Maori had arrived almost 600 years before the first Europeans, and the abundance of fish and birds drew seafaring Mori to Bluff. If you look at an aerial map of New Zealand, you will see that the North Island is shaped like a fish. Maori consider the far north to represent the fish’s tail and Wellington Harbor to be its mouth.
Settlers in what the Maori called Murihiku, the furthest southern section of the South Island, petitioned the government to be separated from Otago. This began in 1857 and lasted until 1861 when the government agreed. The province of Southland was established, even though the settlers and Maori who lived there preferred the name Murihiku.
Southland Anniversary timeline
Maori are the first people to settle in the area, followed by European sealers, whalers, and traders from Australia.
New Zealand's capital is relocated from Auckland to Wellington.
Southland rejoins Otago — before the abolition of all provinces, Southland locals support the relocation since Otago is prospering as a result of the Central Otago Gold Rush.
The New Zealand Foundation is commemorated locally following the New Zealand Holidays Act.
Southland Anniversary FAQs
When is Southland Anniversary?
In 2027, Southland Anniversary will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 30, once again providing a welcome break after the Easter weekend. The date shifts each year in relation to Easter.
Why is Southland Anniversary celebrated?
Southland Anniversary recognizes the region’s unique historical identity and its establishment as a distinct province within New Zealand. It provides an opportunity for residents to reflect on their heritage and enjoy local community events.
Is Southland Anniversary a public holiday?
As a regional public holiday, only those residing or working within the Southland Region observe the day off. It is not a national public holiday across all of New Zealand.
What kind of events happen on Southland Anniversary?
Expect family-friendly gatherings, live music, and opportunities to explore Southland’s natural beauty and heritage sites. Many events focus on celebrating local history and fostering community spirit.
Southland Anniversary Activities
Visit the Milford Sound
The most popular tourist destination in New Zealand is Milford Sound, which is located in Fiordland National Park. The sound is a fjord, which is an inlet formed by glaciers.
Go to the Hokonui Moonshine Museum
Illegal whisky manufacturing in Southland's Hokonui Hills was the focus of police investigations in the last century. This might be a chance to observe a replica of the Gore District's moonshine industry during the prohibition era.
Share the joy of the event on social media
You can participate in the fun by using the hashtags #Southland and #SouthlandDay on social media. You may also scour the web for hilarious photographs and videos of the occasion.
5 Interesting Facts About Southland
Ambience with an artistic twist
The city is a terrific site for tourists and those who desire a tranquil and entertaining experience, from stunning buildings, lakes, ports, and nature to national parks.
Wildlife destinations
New Zealand's stunning environment includes pristine rainforests, beautiful farmlands, and craggy coasts, making it the ultimate nature and wildlife getaway.
Another name
Each Maori village had its name, but Maori refer to much of what is now known as Southland as Murihiku.
Wheel mania capital
It appears that Invercargill, Southland's capital, is obsessed with everything with wheels and you can get a taste of it by watching cyclists or riding at the SIT Zero Fees Velodrome.
The highest waterfall in New Zealand
Browne Falls is one of two contenders for the title of the tallest waterfall in New Zealand.
Why We Love Southland Anniversary
It’s a celebration of progress
Southland Anniversary Day highlights the evolution of the city from the time of the first Maori inhabitants to the present. It is fascinating to see how, over time, it has come to be renowned as New Zealand's southernmost region.
It’s a historical commemoration
This day marks the historical arrival of the city's first inhabitants, thus it has a unique meaning for us. It serves as a reminder of how the first settlers established networks of customary food gathering places, traveling seasonally as needed, to feed permanent and semi-permanent settlements in coastal and inland areas.
Southland is a fantastic city
Southland is a magnificent place to be, from the stunning terrain to the tall elegant buildings and structures, quiet cafés and restaurants, the highest waterfalls, and resorts. This makes the city worthy of appreciation for the wonderful memories it contributes to people's lives.
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