Chatham Islands Anniversary Day

Chatham Islands Anniversary Day History

Chatham Islands Anniversary Day commemorates the arrival of European settlers on the Chatham Islands. The Chatham Islands form an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, about 800 kilometers east of the New Zealand mainland and are home to the Moriori – the indigenous people of the islands. This observance is an important day for the people of Chatham Islands and offers them an opportunity to honor their unique history and culture, as well as appreciate the renewal and growth of the islands.

The origin of Chatham Islands Anniversary Day dates back to the early 19th century when European settlers first arrived on the islands, forever altering the course of history for both Moriori and Māori residents. As part of New Zealand, the Chatham Islands have since benefited from the nation's growth in various sectors. This holiday thus holds significance for all New Zealanders as it celebrates the islands' unique contribution to New Zealand's identity and their resilience in the face of historical challenges.

Chatham Islands Anniversary Day is generally marked by cultural events, community gatherings, and public celebrations across the islands. The day serves as an opportunity for the people of the Chatham Islands to showcase their local traditions, arts, and customs, thus creating a deeper understanding of their heritage within New Zealand. The anniversary day is celebrated on the last Monday of November or the first Monday of December, depending on the year, so as to align closely with the actual anniversary date – 29th November.

Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Facts

• Chatham Islands Anniversary Day was established in accordance to the New Zealand Holidays Act of 1981, which sets forth that certain territories in New Zealand are to have a local holiday to celebrate their founding. Chatham Islands used to be a province of New Zealand. Provinces were dissolved in 1876 and are now known as provincial districts which serve only as a designation to more or less the same regions covered by the provinces.
• The Chatman Islands is the smallest region in New Zealand. It has only about 600 inhabitants. Many species of flora and fauna are only found here due to the region's unique environment compared to the rest of New Zealand. Several of these species are endangered due to human settlement, such as the Chatham Island tāiko, a seabird.
• The Chatham Islands have their own time zone, called Chatham Island Standard Time (CHAST), which is 45 minutes ahead of New Zealand Standard Time (NZST).
• The local economy of the Chatham Islands is largely based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Sheep farming and fishing, especially for crayfish and paua (abalone), are important industries for the islands.

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Chatham Islands Anniversary Day Top Events and Things to Do

• See the basalt columns of Chatham Islands. These structures are polygonal, columnar rocks that formed naturally through the cooling and contraction of lava.
• Enjoy nature through the public access walking tracks in the islands' protected areas. Keep an eye out for endemic species of plants and animals. There are boards around the island with information about the environment.
• Explore the natural beauty of the Chatham Islands with guided tours that will take you to some of the most beautiful spots on the islands, including volcanoes, caves, forests, and beaches.
• Visit landmarks such as the Moriori tree carvings in the J.M. Barker (Hapupu) Historic Reserve, or the Basalt Columns at Ohira Bay.