New Zealand commemorates Northland Anniversary Day, also known as Auckland Anniversary Day, in Auckland, honoring the entry of William Hobson, the first Governor of New Zealand.
(Credit: Pickyourtrail)
Northland Anniversary Day 2024: This year’s Northland Anniversary Day, also known as Auckland Anniversary Day, will fall on January 29. It is observed on the Monday that is closest to January 29 each year. This public holiday is observed across the old province of Auckland, in the northern half of New Zealand’s North Island. It honors the entry of British Royal Navy commander William Hobson, who went on to become the first Governor of New Zealand and a co-signer of the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi.
Governor Bourke sent William Hobson, the first governor of New Zealand, there for the first time in 1837. Following his successful return in December 1838, Hobson received the position of Consul to New Zealand. On February 14, 1839, after two months of consideration, he accepted. Sent out by Lord Normanby, he was given precise orders to establish a British colony in New Zealand.
He first sailed to Sydney in his capacity as Lieutenant Governor to meet with Governor Gipps, the Governor of New Zealand. He landed in the Bay of Islands on January 30, 1840, having arrived safely on January 29. While the Treaty of Waitangi was still being drafted, he read his proclamation of appointment and set an appointment for February 5. Hobson met with Maori chiefs at Waitangi on the scheduled day. The 40 chiefs allegedly agreed to pledges of respect for their territories and assets in exchange for signing the Treaty giving the British Crown sovereignty. After three months, Hobson proclaimed Auckland as the capital of British control over New Zealand. New Zealand was formed as a Crown Colony in May 1841, and it ceased to be a protectorate of New South Wales. Hobson became Commander-in-Chief and Governor as a result.
In 1842, Northland Anniversary Day was instituted. “Saturday, the 29th instant, being the second anniversary of the Colony, His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to direct that day to be held as a general holiday on which occasion the public offices will be closed,” read a notice published by Governor Hobson in the New Zealand Government Gazette on January 26. Later on, though, the date was adjusted to the Monday closest to January 29.
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With William Hobson’s arrival, New Zealand entered a new phase of history. Celebrate with the people of New Zealand and wish all of them a happy Northland Anniversary Day.
New Zealand is a stunning nation with a wealth of things to offer. Maybe you should plan a trip there for your next holiday!
Study everything you can about this stunning nation as a whole. Once you have more information, you can spread the word about Northland Anniversary Day to more people.
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Hobson’s efforts led to the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi with the Maori chiefs. The history of New Zealand is centered on this significant document.
While in the Navy, Hobson was appointed to the rank of Consul. It’s true that at first he was hesitant, thinking he would get promoted in the Navy. But more importantly, he gave up his naval career because he felt compelled to do so.
Even though New Zealand had numerous terrible internal wars throughout the 19th century, it is currently a peaceful nation. This exhorts us to keep trying to bring about peace regardless of the obstacles.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | January 24 | Monday |
| 2023 | January 30 | Monday |
| 2024 | January 29 | Monday |
| 2025 | January 27 | Monday |
| 2026 | January 26 | Monday |
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