Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day
🇳🇿 New Zealand
- Public Holiday
- Regional
- Variable date
Overview
Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day is a regional public holiday on New Zealand's North Island, marking the anniversary of the Hawke's Bay region. It is observed only in Hawke's Bay rather than nationwide.
What It Is
Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day is observed on the Friday before Labour Day, which falls on the fourth Monday of October, so its date changes from year to year. In 2026 it falls on 23 October. The holiday applies only within the Hawke's Bay region, so people elsewhere in New Zealand work as usual, while local residents enjoy a three-day weekend.
Why It Matters
Anniversary days in New Zealand trace back to the provincial era, when each province marked its own founding. Hawke's Bay was established as a province in 1858 after separating from Wellington Province. Although New Zealand's provinces were abolished in 1876, their anniversaries survived as regional holidays. Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day is a lasting reminder of that regional identity and of how local history is woven into the national calendar.
Countries Celebrating
1 country
See what else is celebrated today around the world.
Discover other holidays and observances happening right now.