Dominion Day

Dominion Day Quick Facts

AKA NameSouth Canterbury Anniversary
HashtagsCompiled on#KingsDominion, #FortedMontonPark, #WhitWednesday
2024 Date23 September 2024
2025 Date22 September 2025

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Dominion Day

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Dominion Day commemorates the attainment of Dominion status by a former colony, thus becoming a self-governing entity within the British Empire. Dominion status was a significant step towards full independence, giving the new Dominion greater autonomy in domestic and foreign affairs. Only four countries ever became Dominions - Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Newfoundland (now part of Canada).

Dominion Day holds a particular place in New Zealand history, as it marks the day when the country gained Dominion status on 26 September 1907. This was a defining moment for New Zealand, as it progressed from being a colony to a more independent nation, with control over its own internal affairs. Dominion status reflected the growing sense of national identity and pride among New Zealanders. It was seen as a recognition of the country's progress and achievements, rather than a move towards complete independence from Britain.

Although Dominion Day was a public holiday in New Zealand for several years after 1907, it is no longer widely celebrated as such. Some communities continue to mark the occasion, usually with commemorative events emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the day. The official date for the observance of Dominion Day in New Zealand is 26 September.

Dominion Day Facts

  • During the first Dominion Day, many events took place around New Zealand, such as official ceremonies, children festivals, concerts and military parades. Public servants had the day off.
  • Dominion Day was never very popular after the first celebrations. Some of the reasons could be that people thought there would be too many public holidays, the fact that it wasn't a paid holiday for most, the weather around the time of the year, low nationalistic feeling toward it, or nothing impactful happening in people’s lives with the change from colony to dominion.
  • The name "Dominion Day" was changed to "Canada Day" in 1982, after the passage of the Canada Act. This act marked the end of British authority over Canada and the beginning of full sovereign status for the country.
  • The proclamation of the Dominion status was made by the Governor-General, William Plunket (later Lord Plunket), at a ceremony held at Parliament Buildings in Wellington.
  • At the time of the Dominion status change, New Zealand's Prime Minister was Sir Joseph Ward, who had initiated the move towards the new status.

Dominion Day Top Things to Do

  • Read this interesting opinion about replacing Waitangi Day with Dominion Day as the national day of New Zealand.
  • New Zealand is a beautiful country with many places to visit. The Milford Sound is its most famous tourist attraction.
  • If you love nature and hiking, find out about the "Great Walks" of New Zealand.
  • Read Paradise Reforged: A History of the New Zealanders by James Belich.

Dominion Day References and Related Sites

nzhistory.govt.nz: Demise of Dominion Day

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