Chatham Islands Anniversary Day commemorates the region's historical settlement and provincial foundation. It remains a regional public holiday, giving residents of the Chatham Islands a long weekend for rest and community events.

When is Chatham Islands Anniversary Day?

Chatham Islands Anniversary Day is observed on the Monday closest to November 30.

The following is the list of Chatham Islands Anniversary Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Chatham Islands Anniversary Day?

Under the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852, the country was divided into provinces, each with its own council and administration. As part of this system, each province marked its founding with an Anniversary Day.

Although the provinces were abolished in 1876, their anniversary days continued as regional public holidays.

The Chatham Islands, located about 800 km east of mainland New Zealand, were included in the Wellington Province during the provincial era.

After the end of the provincial system, the islands continued to observe an anniversary day, but with a date adapted to their own local identity and traditions. The chosen date reflects both their administrative link to Wellington and their own settlement history.

Chatham Islands Anniversary Day is observed on the Monday closest to November 30 each year. This timing connects it to St. Andrew's Day (November 30), which was historically linked to Wellington Anniversary Day because Wellington was originally founded by Scottish settlers who honored St. Andrew as Scotland's patron saint.

Over time, the Chatham Islands kept this association, giving the islands their own recognized anniversary day.

Today, Chatham Islands Anniversary Day is a regional public holiday. It reinforces the islands' regional identity within New Zealand's broader framework.