In 2014, the Government updated its earlier commemorations policy, agreed in 2009/10 in recognition of the need for a co-ordinated approach between agencies to mark particularly important events and anniversaries, and to ensure better forward planning for these big events.
The updated commemorations policy categorises these anniversaries as either Tier 1 or Tier 2 national events. The Tier 1 list consists of anniversaries of events which had a significant impact on the nation as a whole or on the pattern of New Zealand life; an example being the 100th anniversary of the First World War.
The Tier 2 list is made up of anniversaries of events which were highly important but not of the same nation-changing magnitude. Nationally-significant anniversaries, whether Tier 1 or Tier 2, typically refer to anniversaries that are a multiple of 25 (25th, 50th, 75th, 100th anniversaries, and so on).
Visit the Commemorations 2014-2020 page to view the full listing of events.
The following events for 2019 were authorised by the Government in 2014. Please note that this is an indicative list and may be subject to review.
2019 Tier 1 events
250th anniversary of the first meetings of Māori and Europeans between James Cook and Tahitian chief and navigator Tupaia. Visit our Tuia - Encounters 250 website for more details.
100th anniversary of the Treaty of Versailles and peace celebrations (1919)
NZ History - The legacy of war
Te Ara - Pen used for signing the Treaty of Versailles
2019 Tier 2 events
200th anniversary of the first planting of fruit frees and wine grapes
NZ History - New Zealand's first grapevines planted?
Te Ara - History of viticulture in New Zealand
150th anniversary of the founding of New Zealand's first university (University of Otago)
100th anniversary of New Zealand joining the International Labour Organisaton
75th anniversary of the abolition of the poll tax on Chinese migrants
NZ History - Poll tax on Chinese immigrants abolished
Centenary of the First World War commemorations
Dates for key New Zealand domestic and overseas commemorative and ceremonial events which will be marked during the First World War centenary from 2014 to 2019 were announced in 2013. Relevant media releases include the following:
First World War centenary military commemoration dates announced
WW100 First World War Centenary Programme announced
Additional commemorations
Details about various New Zealand historic events and anniversaries can be found on our NZHistory and Te Ara —The Encyclopedia of New Zealand websites.
Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Raa Maumahara National Day of Commemoration will be held on October 28th each year. The first inaugural event took place in 2017. Visit Te Puni Kōkiri's website for more details about Te Pūtake o te Riri | Wars and Conflicts in New Zealand Fund.
Te Pūtake o te Riri | Wars and Conflicts in New Zealand Fund
Updated on 21st February 2019