2026 observed date
Monday, 19 January 2026
Download this date, then confirm it with your employer or local council.
2026 and 2027 regional public holiday
Wellington Anniversary Day
Wellington Anniversary Day is based on the former Wellington Province, so the relevant area can extend beyond Wellington City and the boundaries of today’s Greater Wellington region.
Wellington date guide
Observed anniversary dates
The historic anniversary date is 22 January. The dates people normally need for work and leave planning are the locally observed dates.
Usual rule
Usually the Monday closest to 22 January.
2027 observed date
Monday, 25 January 2027
Download this date, then confirm it with your employer or local council.
Planning information: The listed observed date does not by itself determine an employee’s entitlement, payment or day off. Check the otherwise-working-day rules and your employment arrangements.
Where Wellington Anniversary Day may apply
The date is commonly observed in Wellington and in several lower or central North Island communities with historic Wellington provincial links. Boundary cases should be confirmed locally rather than inferred from a map label.
WellingtonHutt ValleyKāpitiWairarapaManawatū-Whanganui
What to confirm locally
People working across regional boundaries, remotely or for an employer with several sites should ask which anniversary-day custom their workplace follows.
Provincial anniversary holidays are based on historic boundaries and established local observance. If the workplace location, roster or employment agreement makes the answer unclear, ask the employer which date has been applied consistently.
Planning around Wellington Anniversary
The observed Monday normally creates a January long weekend. It can sit close to summer closedowns, so distinguish an anniversary public holiday from annual leave or another agreed day off.
Once the date is confirmed, use the annual-leave planner to compare the adjacent weekend and any working days you may want to request. Leave still requires approval.
Wellington Anniversary Day FAQs
When is Wellington Anniversary Day in 2026?
Wellington Anniversary Day is listed for Monday, 19 January 2026 in 2026. Confirm that this local observance applies to your workplace.
When is Wellington Anniversary Day in 2027?
Wellington Anniversary Day is listed for Monday, 25 January 2027 in 2027. Check with your employer or local council before relying on the date.
What is the actual Wellington anniversary date?
The historic anniversary date is 22 January. The public holiday is commonly observed on a different date: Usually the Monday closest to 22 January.
Is Wellington Anniversary Day a public holiday?
The locally observed provincial anniversary day is a public holiday. An employee’s day off and payment depend on whether it is otherwise a working day and on the applicable employment rules.
Does Wellington Anniversary Day apply everywhere nearby?
Not necessarily. Anniversary areas follow former provinces and local custom rather than today’s administrative boundaries. Confirm uncertain locations with the employer or local council.
Official date guidance
Employment New Zealand publishes observed anniversary dates and explains employment-related public-holiday rules. Te Ara documents the historic provincial system and common observance patterns.