Statutory holidays

Statutory holidays are legislated by several Acts of Parliament, particularly the Holidays Act 2003.

Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day are always commemorated on the exact date, as they commemorate specific historical events. Apart from Good Friday the other New Zealand Statutory Holidays have been Mondayised.

Statutory holidays in New Zealand include:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)

• Waitangi Day (February 6)

Waitangi Day commemorates a significant day in the history of New Zealand. It is a public holiday held each year on 6 February to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, on that date in 1840. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February 1840, in a marquee erected in the grounds of James Busby's house (now known as the Treaty house) at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. The Treaty made New Zealand a part of the British Empire, guaranteed Māori rights to their land and gave Māori the rights of British subjects. There are differences between the Māori and English language versions of the Treaty, and virtually since 1840 this has led to debate over exactly what was agreed to at Waitangi. Māori have generally seen the Treaty as a sacred pact, while for many years Pākehā (the Māori word for New Zealanders of predominantly European ancestry) ignored it.

By the early twentieth century, however, some Pākehā were beginning to see the Treaty as their nation's founding document and a symbol of British humanitarianism. Unlike Māori, Pākehā have generally not seen the Treaty as a document with binding power over the country and its inhabitants. In 1877 Chief Justice James Prendergast declared it to be a 'legal nullity', and it still has limited standing in New Zealand law. At dawn on Waitangi Day, the Royal New Zealand Navy raises the New Zealand Flag, Union Flag and White Ensign on the flagstaff in the treaty grounds. The ceremonies during the day generally include a church service and cultural displays such as dance and song. Several waka and a navy ship also re-enact the calling ashore of Governor Hobson to sign the treaty. The day closes with the flags being lowered by the Navy in a traditional ceremony.

Good Friday (The Friday before Easter Sunday) also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.

Easter Monday (The day after Easter Sunday) is the day after Easter Sunday and is celebrated as a holiday in some largely Christian cultures, especially Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox cultures.

Anzac Day (April 25). The Anzac Day Act 1995 declares the 25th of April as a national day of commemoration in recognition and commemoration of the contribution of all those who have served New Zealand (including those who died) in time of war and in war-like conflicts. ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and was first used when Australian and New Zealand soldiers were grouped in Egypt, prior to their landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915.

Queen’s Birthday (The first Monday in June), also known as "the Queen's Birthday" is the day on which the birthday of the monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Realms is officially celebrated rather than the actual day of the current monarch's birthday.

Labour Day (The fourth Monday in October) is an annual holiday to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers. Labour Day has its origins in the labour union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.

Christmas Day (December 25) is a family gift-giving celebration. Christians commemorate the birth of Jesus on this day, yet participation is high among those of other lifestyles. When Christmas Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday is declared a public holiday.

Boxing Day. The origins of Boxing Day (December, 26) are believed to be British, and relate to the practice of the wealthy giving gifts of money, food or goods to the poor. Traditionally, when Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, the following Monday is declared a public holiday. When Boxing Day falls on a Sunday, the following Tuesday is declared a public holiday. Some people eat cookies to celebrate.

Additionally, the Holidays Act 1981 specifies each locality observing a Provincial Anniversary Day to celebrate the founding days or landing days of the first colonists of the various colonial provinces, however the exact dates are not legislated for. The actual observance days can vary even within each province and is due to local custom, convenience or the proximity of seasonal events or other holidays and may differ from the official observance day.

Festivals of New Zealand

The most stunning event of the capital is the “Summer City Program” (held from January to February), which represents a number of festivals in the city, and around it. Among other interesting festivals are the International Arts Festival (held in February in even years) and the New Zealand Festival (February - March). Auckland organizes the open tennis championship "Heineken" (January 12-17), Regatta “Pacifica” (March), Fireworks Festival “Fiesta Week” (mid-March) and the Trans-Tasmanian Games (March 20-27).

Christchurch is known for the World Festival of Street Musicians (January 5-25), Canterbury Show Week (November, a fair and horse races), Softball World Championship in men (late February), Flower Festival (February 13-17) and Romance Festival, Christchurch Arts Festival (July), and the famous aviation show Wigram Classics (March 27-28). From mid-December to early February Nelson hosts the Summer Festival, in the last week of December - the annual Jazz festival with musicians from around the world, on the first Sunday in February - a harvest festival, and in September - Arts festival and carnival in Trafalgar Centre.