It was not until the Y2K scare that New Zealand became prominent on the global scene. After all, Kiwis (moniker for people from down there) have always been the first in the history to see millennial sunrises and, in the digital age, the first to have suffered the Y2K glitch had it occurred. But years later after that popularity wore off, New Zealand became known as a country of natural rawness on a scale that is yet to be matched anywhere else. It was here that the famed Middle Earth was set, with Waikato Hills reserved for the “hobbits” and the aptly named Southern Alps the “Misty Mountains.”
Owing to the worldwide popularity of Tolkien’s Orcs and Uruk-hai (and a lot of intriguing characters in between), New Zealand continues to make its mark in the international travelers’ scene. If you do find yourself making a run for Auckland – the largest city – this year, here is the list of New Zealand public holidays 2013.
New Year’s Eve – Tuesday, 1 January 2013
The Feast of Circumcision, known the world over as New Year’s Day, is celebrated in New Zealand with the same fervor as it is in other parts of the Western world. Along with feasting and drinking, tossing of large wooden poles and dancing with swords feature prominently in the Kiwis’ celebrations of the New Year’s Eve.
Waitangi Day – Wednesday, 6 February 2013
On this day in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi which established New Zealand as a state was signed. Kiwis acknowledge that they are not flag-waving citizens by nature, but commemorate this day with a 21-gun salute, naval salute and Air Force acrobatics. All over the country, traditional “haka powhiri” or welcome ceremonies are performed by native Maori. This event is made more colorful with cultural performances, arts and crafts, indigenous “kai” (food) and medicine, and local legends that all aim to promote awareness and appreciation of the Maori heritage.
Good Friday – Friday, 29 March 2013
Most of the Christian population of New Zealand is composed of Irish and Anglican Catholics, so they also brought with them Good Friday celebrations. Outside of the more formal and solemn observances of religious rituals and processions, eating of hot cross buns has become popular on the days leading to Good Friday.
Easter Monday – Monday, 1 April 2013
Spring symbolisms were not widely used in New Zealand until the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century. The Catholics and Methodists brought with them the gaiety of the northern hemisphere on the occasion of the Easter Sunday, so Easter egg hunts and egg rolling have gained foothold in Easter celebrations. Kiwis also celebrate this autumn weekend with sports tournaments, hunting trips and camps.
ANZAC Day – Thursday, 25 April 2013
Similar to the historical context of Australia’s, ANZAC Day in New Zealand commemorates members of the (Australian and) New Zealand Army Corps, specifically those who have fallen in the attempt to capture Gallipoli in Turkey during WWI. In New Zealand, the day starts with a Dawn Service in local memorial markers, primarily attended by war veterans and military personnel. Later in the day, a more formal ceremony is attended by key government officials, families of the veterans and civilians. A parade of colors and servicemen in full regalia completes the commemoration.
Queen’s Birthday – Monday, 3 June 2013
Known early in its history as the King’s Birthday (because of the male monarchs who preceded Queen Elizabeth II), the Queen’s Birthday is a celebration of the current monarch’s natal day (albeit Queen Elizabeth’s birthday is on April 21). On this day, military ceremonies are performed in Auckland, and awards are handed out to personalities included on the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List.
Labor Day – Monday, 28 October 2013
The Labor Day movement started in New Zealand in 1840 when a carpenter refused to work longer than eight hours a day. Since then, NZ has celebrated Labor Day in honor of the working men and women who contribute to the social and economic development of the country.
Christmas Day – Wednesday, 25 December 2013
The birth of the Christian savior is celebrated in New Zealand in the same way it is celebrated throughout the Christendom: gift- and card-giving, carols and Christmas decors made of flaxes, ferns and “pohutukawa” that bloom with red flowers around this time. Because New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, instead of huddling together inside before a Yule log, Kiwis spend the Christmas holidays at the beach, Christmas season being the height of summer. Instead of the more formal dinners on Christmas eve, more and more Kiwis hold outdoor barbecues to celebrate the occasion.
Boxing Day – Thursday, 26 December 2013
On the day when gifts are supposed to be “boxed”, Kiwis continue to celebrate the Christmas (summer) season with family and friends at the beach or take extended holidays since most businesses are closed for two weeks over the Christmas period.
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Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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