Auckland Anniversary Day: 2026 and 2027 dates
Auckland Anniversary Day commemorates the founding of the Auckland Province, one of the six original provinces established by the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852. It is observed on the Monday closest to 29 January and is widely followed across the upper North Island.
Also observed as the anniversary day in Northland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, and parts of Hawke's Bay and Manawatū-Whanganui north of the 39th parallel.
2026
26 January 2026
2027
1 February 2027
Rule: Monday closest to 29 January.
2026 public holidays in Auckland
All 11 nationwide public holidays plus Auckland Anniversary Day.
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday |
| Day after New Year's Day | 2 January 2026 | Friday |
| Waitangi Day | 6 February 2026 | Friday |
| Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | Monday |
| Anzac Day mondayised | 27 April 2026 | Monday |
| King's Birthday | 1 June 2026 | Monday |
| Matariki | 10 July 2026 | Friday |
| Labour Day | 26 October 2026 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Friday |
| Boxing Day mondayised | 28 December 2026 | Monday |
| Auckland Anniversary Day regional | 26 January 2026 | Monday |
Regional anniversary day rule: Monday closest to 29 January.
2027 public holidays in Auckland
All 11 nationwide public holidays plus Auckland Anniversary Day.
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2027 | Friday |
| Day after New Year's Day mondayised | 4 January 2027 | Monday |
| Waitangi Day mondayised | 8 February 2027 | Monday |
| Good Friday | 26 March 2027 | Friday |
| Easter Monday | 29 March 2027 | Monday |
| Anzac Day mondayised | 26 April 2027 | Monday |
| King's Birthday | 7 June 2027 | Monday |
| Matariki | 25 June 2027 | Friday |
| Labour Day | 25 October 2027 | Monday |
| Christmas Day mondayised | 27 December 2027 | Monday |
| Boxing Day mondayised | 28 December 2027 | Tuesday |
| Auckland Anniversary Day regional | 1 February 2027 | Monday |
Regional anniversary day rule: Monday closest to 29 January.
Frequently asked questions
When is Auckland Anniversary Day 2026?
Auckland Anniversary Day 2026 is observed on 26 January 2026. The statutory rule is: monday closest to 29 january.
When is Auckland Anniversary Day 2027?
Auckland Anniversary Day 2027 is observed on 1 February 2027.
Who observes Auckland Anniversary Day?
Workers in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne conventionally observe Auckland Anniversary Day. Coverage outside the historic provincial boundary is custom and practice rather than statute, so check your employment agreement if you are near a regional border.
Is Auckland Anniversary Day a public holiday under the Holidays Act?
Yes. Provincial anniversary days are listed as public holidays under section 44 of the Holidays Act 2003. They are observed on top of the 11 nationwide public holidays, so most workers in Auckland get 12 paid public holidays a year in total.