Wellington Anniversary Day: 2026 and 2027 dates
Wellington Anniversary Day commemorates the arrival of the first New Zealand Company settlers in 1840 and the founding of the Wellington Province. It is observed on the Monday closest to 22 January.
2026
19 January 2026
2027
25 January 2027
Rule: Monday closest to 22 January.
2026 public holidays in Wellington
All 11 nationwide public holidays plus Wellington 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 |
| Wellington Anniversary Day regional | 19 January 2026 | Monday |
Regional anniversary day rule: Monday closest to 22 January.
2027 public holidays in Wellington
All 11 nationwide public holidays plus Wellington 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 |
| Wellington Anniversary Day regional | 25 January 2027 | Monday |
Regional anniversary day rule: Monday closest to 22 January.
Frequently asked questions
When is Wellington Anniversary Day 2026?
Wellington Anniversary Day 2026 is observed on 19 January 2026. The statutory rule is: monday closest to 22 january.
When is Wellington Anniversary Day 2027?
Wellington Anniversary Day 2027 is observed on 25 January 2027.
Who observes Wellington Anniversary Day?
Workers in Manawatū-Whanganui and Wellington conventionally observe Wellington 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 Wellington 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 Wellington get 12 paid public holidays a year in total.