Nelson Anniversary Day 2024 (New Zealand): In observance of the New Zealand Company’s founding of the settlement of Nelson on February 1, 1842, Nelson Anniversary Day is observed each Monday immediately preceding that date. It falls on January 29 this year. It is important to note that the area in question was previously home to the indigenous Mori people, who called it “Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui” (The Prow of the Canoe of Maui). On the eastern shores of Tasman Bay, the city of Nelson, also known as “Whakatu,” is a popular destination. Nelson is also known for its arts and crafts traditions, beaches, bays, and freshwater springs. It is the second-oldest-inhabited settlement in New Zealand.
Nelson’s Anniversary Day History
The origins of Nelson can be identified in the 12th century; during that time, the Māori people established their settlement in the area. Māori inhabited the Nelson-Marlborough regions, which were also referred to as “Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka a Maui.” During this time, they extracted argillite and expanded the surrounding territories. A faction of the Māori people, known as the ‘Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri,’ engaged in conflict with other factions during the early 1600s, thereby establishing itself as the dominant tribe. However, this didn’t happen until the early 1800s, when “Te Rauparaha” led a tribe from the north that wiped out the local inhabitants and took control of the area.
In January 1770, the British set out for New Zealand on a voyage that Captain James Cook admired, and they explored the Nelson area. Throughout the voyage, Captain Cook bestowed on the maritime region separating North and South Island the appellation “Cook Strait,” while designating the land areas Queen Charlotte Sound and Ship Cove. The latter location served as the landing port for their 1773 and 1777 expeditions to New Zealand. Following the signing of a treaty with the Ngāi Tahu chiefs in May 1840, the British asserted sovereignty over the entirety of the South Island.
Following the establishment of its settlement in Wellington, the New Zealand Company initiated a search for additional arable land to acquire. The company sent out three ships to examine the upper South Island in search of a suitable location for the Nelson colony. The New Zealand Company representatives negotiated and acquired land from ‘Te Rauparaha’ upon their arrival at the Kapiti coast. Early on November 1, 1841, the initial group of migrants departed for Nelson. From London, on September 17, 1841, the Fifeshire set sail, transporting the first European immigrants. It reached Nelson on February 1, 1842, with over a dozen of its passengers having perished. Commencing with the advent of European immigrants, the yearly observance of Nelson Anniversary Day commenced.
FAQs for Nelson Anniversary Day
On what occasion was Nelson annihilated?
The South Island’s northern inhabitants of New Zealand celebrate Nelson Anniversary Day.
Is the anniversary of Nelson’s death observed as a national holiday?
It is, in fact, a national holiday. It is designated as a day off for residents of the Nelson Region.
Which day is the New Zealand national anniversary?
On Anniversary Day, individuals from different regions of New Zealand gather to commemorate the establishment of provincial settlements and the advent of European immigrants.
Nelson Anniversary Day 2024 (New Zealand) Activities
Lie back and relax
On Nelson Anniversary Day, one may opt to unwind following a laborious week of professional obligations. One may choose to partake in physical activities such as yoga or visit a spa, resort, or massage establishment during the day.
Participate in a Nelson Jubilee Day event
An annual occurrence occurs throughout the Nelson region in observance of Nelson Anniversary Day. Consult online resources or consult your local library for information on upcoming events in your area.
Describe the background of Nelson
The city of Nelson and the Nelson region both possess a lengthy and eventful past. As a resident, you can educate the world about your place by sharing its history on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Remember to incorporate images; they effectively communicate a story.
Five Interesting New Zealand Facts
With England, it shares a national anthem.
“God Save the Queen” is one of New Zealand’s dual-designated national anthems.
The Middle Earth region
It is only in New Zealand that one may visit Hobbiton and exchange hobbit-themed currency.
More sheep exist there than humans.
There are six sheep for every individual residing in New Zealand.
The clearest waters on the planet
The visibility range at Blue Lake in Nelson Lakes National Park is approximately 80 meters.
The final human-inhabited nation
Humans only began to inhabit New Zealand about 800 years ago.
NELSON ANNIVERSARY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 29 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 2 | Monday |
