Taranaki Anniversary Day commemorates the region's establishment as a province in 1853. It continues today as a regional holiday, celebrated with the Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) Show and used as a day of family rest and community pride.

When is Taranaki Anniversary Day?

Taranaki Anniversary Day is observed on the second Monday in March.

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

The History of Taranaki Anniversary Day?

The holiday originates from the provincial system set up under the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852. In 1853, Taranaki Province was created, with New Plymouth as its capital.

Like every province, Taranaki marked its foundation with an Anniversary Day to celebrate its establishment and identity.

During the provincial period (1853–1876), Anniversary Days were important occasions, often featuring parades, community gatherings, and agricultural events.

Taranaki's holiday reflected both the growth of European settlement in the region and the challenges it faced, including the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s, which had a major impact on the province. Despite these conflicts, Anniversary Day became a symbol of regional pride and resilience.

In 1876, New Zealand's provincial governments were abolished and replaced by a centralized government with local councils. However, the tradition of provincial anniversary days was preserved, so Taranaki Anniversary Day continued as a regional holiday.

Unlike some anniversary days, which are tied to specific founding events or ship arrivals, Taranaki's holiday was set to a convenient annual date. It is now observed on the second Monday in March, chosen to coincide with the Taranaki Agricultural and Pastoral (A&P) Show in Stratford. This practical timing links the holiday to a major community celebration while ensuring a long weekend.