Nelson Anniversary Day 2024
(New Zealand)
Nelson Anniversary Day is on Monday, January 30, 2024. Celebrated by the people of New Zealand on the closest Monday to February 1 to honor the establishment of Nelson’s settlement on February 1st, 1842.
History of the day
This day was founded to dedicate and commemorate Nelson’s settlement established by the company of New Zealand on February 1, 1842. Therefore, the day is celebrated on the nearest Monday to 1st February.
Purpose of the day
The government of New Zealand established anniversary days to encourage citizens to respect the nation’s history and explore how it has influenced the present. You must take the day as an opportunity to consider the important occasions in the region’s history up to the present. This analysis will enable you to think about an equitable and better future for all.
The story behind the day
On February 1st, 1842, the ship Fifeshire brought the first Europeans to settle in the region now known as Nelson. On September 17th, 1841, the Fifeshire departed London with 170 passengers. Seventeen people passed away from a fever epidemic during the journey. During the four-and-a-half-month voyage, five infants were birthed. Fifeshire was one of the first New Zealand Company immigrant ships to arrive in the Nelson region. When the ship entered Nelson harbor, the day was celebrated as Nelson Anniversary Day.
Is there a public holiday on this day?
Yes! There is a public holiday to celebrate the day.
Who celebrates the day?
The northern half of New Zealand’s South Island people celebrate the day.
Annual Dates of The DayJ |
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| Year | Date | Day |
| 2023 | January 30 | Monday |
| 2024 | January 29 | Monday |
| 2025 | February 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 2 | Monday |
| 2027 | February 1 | Monday |
How to celebrate the day? / Activities of the day
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Read about the history of Nelson
You can spend your holiday reading and exploring Nelson’s history to enhance your knowledge. It’s a great option, as Nelson has an exciting history.
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Tell about Nelson’s history.
If you have read the history and amazing facts about Nelson. Share this with your family or school friends on the next school day.
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Share posts about the day
Read and share relevant content and posts on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook (where a crowd of people visits) to spread the history and aim of the day.
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Attend an event for the Nelson Anniversary
Some events are held annually across Nelson city to celebrate the anniversary. Go to attend the event happening nearby you.
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Take it as a chill holiday.
This day is a holiday to relax your mind and eliminate the busy routine of the week. Engage yourself in mind-relaxing activities like exercise, yoga, or massage.
Why is the day important? / Significance of the day
- The day is significant as it creates a great chance to reflect on history and the present. This day encourages the Nelsonians to explore their history and its impacts on the present day.
- This day celebrates the advancement of the Nelson region.
- We love Nelson Anniversary Day because it serves as a holiday to spend time with our family, get together with friends and relax our minds by forgetting the dull weekly routine.
- This day urges youth to think about an equitable and brighter future for all.
- It has strengthened the relations between Europe, North America, and New Zealand, which have lasted till now.
Do you Know / Fun facts about New Zealand and Nelson’s region
- Indigenous people of Māori occupied the city before the settlement of Nelson city.
- Nelson was turned into a city in 1858.
- Nelson region is well-known for its local sense of art and craft, national parks, sunshine, and golden beaches.
- In 1642, the first European explorer Abel Tasman arrived New Zealand.
- Nelson is the 2nd oldest established city in New Zealand.
- New Zealand has 6 sheep for everyone living there.
- The visibility range of Blue Lake, present in the National Park of Nelson, is about eighty meters.
- New Zealand has three official languages.
- Only 800 years ago, New Zealand was populated by humans.
- New Zealand is the only country in the world where Hobbiton can be visited.
- (Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu) It is the name of a New Zealand town. The interesting thing is that it is the longest name of the town in the world.
FAQs
Who was the caption of the Fifeshire ship?
Arthur Wakefield captained the ship on the voyage.
When did the Fifeshire ship arrive in Nelson?
On February 1st, 1842, the ship entered Nelson harbor.
What is the difference between Nelson Region and Nelson City?
The Nelson region encompasses the areas surrounding Nelson City.
Did the Fifeshire ship make new voyages after entry in Nelson?
No! Moreover, the ship can only complete one more voyage after the voyage towards Nelson because the boat was destroyed when it crashed during the journey towards China. So, the journey toward Nelson was its first and last trip..
