Annual Auckland Anniversary regatta is back

With the first long weekend of the year here, it’s time for Aucklanders to witness the annual regatta that takes place on Auckland Anniversary (January 30). If you are in the city, it is an event you should not miss out on. There is this and a lot more planned over the long weekend. But before we head into the details on the different events you can attend in the city, let’s take a peek into the history of the celebration.

What is Auckland Anniversary

Auckland Anniversary falls on January 29 and the public holiday is observed on the Monday closest to that date. It is observed throughout Auckland province that includes Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Northland (where it is called Northland Day), Gisborne, and some parts of Manawatu-Wanganui, and Hawke’s Bay.

It marks the anniversary of the arrival of New Zealand’s first Governor-General William Hobson in the Bay of Islands on January 29, 1840. Mr Hobson officially declared the day as a public holiday, 29 January also being the second anniversary of the establishment of the Colony.

While there were arguments that January 30 should have been the date to celebrate the anniversary, as it was on that day in 1840 when the Union Jack was flown on the masthead of Herald—the ship in which Mr Hibson arrived, it was later decided that the public holiday would be observed on the Monday closest to January 29.

The annual regatta

Auckland Anniversary is celebrated with world’s largest one-day regatta. It is the oldest sport in New Zealand. The regatta has grown in numbers over the years. In 2008, 400 boats were a part of the race. Although there is no prize for the winner of the race (except the honour of winning one), the craze among people to be a part of this annual boat racing has only increased.

This year’s anniversary regatta will be held at Amanda Cruise on January 30 from Dock 3 at Eastern Viaduct. The good news is that the weather is expected to be nice during the long weekend. So make sure you make the most of it.

Tip: Make sure you drive with care while enjoying your holidays. NZ Police is advising you to keep your driving speed in control, keep that phone on the side and so that everyone can get to where they are going, safely.