Westland Anniversary Day commemorates the 1868 founding of Westland Province after its separation from Canterbury. It continues as a regional public holiday for the Westland District, celebrated today as a summer long weekend of leisure and local pride.

When is Westland Anniversary Day?

Westland Anniversary Day is observed on Monday nearest to December 1 each year.

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

The History of Westland Anniversary Day?

Under the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852, New Zealand was divided into provinces, each with its own council and administration. The West Coast of the South Island was initially part of the Canterbury Province, governed from Christchurch.

As gold was discovered in the 1860s, the West Coast population grew rapidly, and locals began pushing for more autonomy, feeling disconnected from Canterbury's distant government.

In 1868, following years of tension over governance and resources, the West Coast was separated from Canterbury and established as Westland Province. Hokitika became the provincial capital.

This gave Westland direct control over its administration, especially important during the gold rush era when the region was booming with miners, traders, and new settlers.

The official establishment date of the province was December 1, 1868.

Like other provinces in New Zealand, Westland managed its own affairs during this time, including infrastructure, land and development.

However, the province only lasted eight years. In 1876, the provincial governments were abolished across the country, replaced by a centralized government system with local councils.

Even after the abolition of provinces in 1876, their Anniversary Days were retained as regional public holidays, preserving local history and identity.

For Westland, December 1 was chosen to commemorate the founding of Westland Province in 1868. Today, Westland Anniversary Day is observed each year on Monday nearest to December 1.