Nelson Anniversary Day: 2026 and 2027 dates
Nelson Anniversary Day commemorates the arrival of the first Nelson settlers in 1842 and the founding of the Nelson Province. It is observed on the Monday closest to 1 February and covers both Nelson city and Tasman district.
Observed in both Nelson and Tasman districts.
2026
2 February 2026
2027
1 February 2027
Rule: Monday closest to 1 February.
2026 public holidays in Nelson
All 11 nationwide public holidays plus Nelson 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 |
| Nelson Anniversary Day regional | 2 February 2026 | Monday |
Regional anniversary day rule: Monday closest to 1 February.
2027 public holidays in Nelson
All 11 nationwide public holidays plus Nelson 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 |
| Nelson Anniversary Day regional | 1 February 2027 | Monday |
Regional anniversary day rule: Monday closest to 1 February.
Frequently asked questions
When is Nelson Anniversary Day 2026?
Nelson Anniversary Day 2026 is observed on 2 February 2026. The statutory rule is: monday closest to 1 february.
When is Nelson Anniversary Day 2027?
Nelson Anniversary Day 2027 is observed on 1 February 2027.
Who observes Nelson Anniversary Day?
Workers in Tasman and Nelson conventionally observe Nelson 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 Nelson 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 Nelson get 12 paid public holidays a year in total.