Wellington Anniversary Day

Wellington Anniversary Day History

Wellington Anniversary Day celebrates the establishment and continued growth of the region. It is an important time for locals to reflect on the development of their province and honour the efforts and contributions that have been made by individuals and groups to ensure its prosperity. The day is marked by various events and activities that showcase the rich cultural heritage and history of Wellington, fostering a strong sense of community among its residents.

The origins of Wellington Anniversary Day can be traced back to 1840 when the first European settlers arrived in the region, led by Colonel William Wakefield, on behalf of the New Zealand Company. The anniversary of this settlement is now observed as Wellington Anniversary Day in memory of the pioneers who laid the foundations of the modern province. Over time, the celebration of this day has evolved to not only commemorate its early beginnings but also to recognise and appreciate the progress that has been made by later generations of New Zealanders in various fields such as business, arts, sports, and education.

Wellington Anniversary Day is observed through a variety of events and activities that engage local communities and reflect the province's vibrant spirit. These may include cultural performances, food fairs, sporting events, and family-friendly activities, all aiming to provide a platform to celebrate together and appreciate the unique attributes of the region. Wellington Anniversary Day usually occurs on the Monday closest to 22nd January each year, with the exact date varying to ensure a long weekend for residents to partake in the various festivities and to spend time with family and friends.

Wellington Anniversary Day Facts

• The journey from England to New Zealand was by ship and lasted 4 long months at sea.
• In 1840, the city name of Wellington was chosen to honour the Duke of Wellington, an avid supporter of the New Zealand Company.
• Prior to the Aurora, Tory, the first ship of the New Zealand Company, arrived in New Zealand on 22 September 1839.
• The first European settlement in New Zealand was called Britannia, now present day Petone.
• Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say. This was their finest hour. - Winston Churchill, Former British Prime Minister
• The first celebration of Wellington Anniversary Day took place on January 22, 1840. This date marks the arrival of the first immigrant ship, the Aurora, to Port Nicholson (now Wellington) and the settlement of the area.

In the News and Trending for Wellington Anniversary Day

Wellington Anniversary Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Visit the Petone Settlers Museum to understand more about the expeditions that led to the birth of Wellington as a city.
• Generate awareness for the day on social media by using hashtags #Wellington, #WellingtonDay and #WellingtonNZ.
• Visit the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial. The Memorial was built to commemorate the arrival of the first wave of British immigrants who helped establish the city.
• Take a look at the Tatou exhibition to gain a better understanding of the early beginnings of Wellington and Petone.
• Read a book about New Zealand's history to gain a better understanding of the British colonization that led to present day New Zealand. Some of our favorites include: The British Colonization of New Zealand, Colonization and Development in New Zealand and The Penguin History of New Zealand.