Hawke’s Bay Anniversary Day in New Zealand Date in the current year: October 24, 2025

The Hawke’s Bay Province was named after Hawke Bay (formerly known as Hawke’s Bay), a large bay on the east coast of the North Island. The bay, in turn, was named after Sir Edward Hawke, the first lord of the admiralty. James Cook first entered the bay on October 12, 1769, during his first voyage.

Before the establishment of the province, the region’s history was first shaped by its Māori inhabitants and later by early European settlement. The area was traditionally occupied by several iwi (Māori tribes), including Ngāti Kahungunu, whose territory extended across much of the eastern North Island.

European contact began in the early 19th century when whalers, traders, and missionaries arrived along the coast. By the 1840s, the Crown had begun acquiring land in the area, often through controversial transactions. The Ahuriri block, around what is now Napier, was purchased by the government in 1851, paving the way for organized European settlement. One of the early settlers in the Napier area was William Colenso, a missionary from Cornwall who was present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Initially, Hawke’s Bay was part of the Wellington Province when the provincial system was established in 1853. However, as European settlement expanded rapidly and local economic activity grew, residents became dissatisfied with distant administration from Wellington. They petitioned for separation, arguing that local governance would better serve their needs.

In February 1858, a meeting was held in Napier at which it was decided that Hawke’s Bay should be split off from Wellington. The Hawke’s Bay Province was officially established on November 1, 1858, and Napier was designated the provincial capital. The new province oversaw continued growth in agriculture, infrastructure, and trade, laying the foundation for the region’s long-term prosperity until the provincial system was abolished in 1876.

Although New Zealand’s provincial system was short-lived, former provinces still officially observe provincial anniversaries, commemorating either the arrival of the first settlers or the establishment of the provincial government. These holidays are usually observed on the Monday nearest to the actual dates, though there are exceptions. For instance, Hawke’s Bay Anniversary Day is celebrated on the Friday before Labor Day to create a four-day weekend.

* date for 2025