Southland Anniversary Day in 2025

When is Southland Anniversary Day?

Southland Province was founded on April 1st 1861 when it split from Otago province.

Southland Province was abolished in November 1876 as part of the Abolition of the Provinces Act, but like most regions in New Zealand, an Anniversary Day for the province is still observed.

In December 2011 the three southern Mayors decided that Southland Anniversary Day should be celebrated on Easter Tuesday.

Provincial Anniversaries

The Holidays Act 1981 specifies each locality observing a Provincial Anniversary Day to celebrate the founding days or landing days of the first colonists of the various colonial provinces.

However, the exact dates are not legislated for.

The actual observance days can vary even within each province and is due to local custom, convenience or the proximity of seasonal events or other holidays.

This may differ from the official observance day and may be several weeks from the official day.