Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day began in 1858 to mark the creation of the Hawke's Bay Province. Although the provinces were abolished in 1876, the holiday survived as a regional public holiday.

When is Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day?

Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day is observed on the Friday before Labour Day.

The following is the list of Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day?

The origins of the holiday go back to the provincial system established under the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852. Hawke's Bay Province was formally created in 1858, when it separated from the larger Wellington Province.

Each province celebrated an Anniversary Day to mark its establishment, giving residents a sense of identity and regional pride.

During the years of provincial government, Anniversary Days were important for marking settlement history, local achievements, and civic pride.

Hawke's Bay's provincial capital was Napier, which became the administrative and economic hub. The province governed itself until 1876, when provincial governments were abolished and replaced with a centralized national government and local councils.

Although the provinces were abolished in 1876, their Anniversary Days continued as regional public holidays. These holidays became part of New Zealand's cultural calendar, even if their original provincial political role was gone.

Unlike some other anniversary days (which stick to exact founding dates), Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day is observed on the Friday before Labour Day (Labour Day is the fourth Monday in October). This timing provides a convenient long spring weekend for the region, rather than a fixed historical date.