Posted in
Shopping by
Mark Lincoln on August 18th, 2010
Like many other holiday dates, Father’s Day in New Zealand falls on a different date than it does in other countries. That’s why plenty of people were confused as to what day is Fathers Day back in June when we saw a rise in Father’s Day searching due to international buzz about Father’s Day being held in June in 61 other countries around the world.
But fear not, New Zealand Father’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September each year. This year, Father’s Day falls on Sunday 5th of September giving you plenty of time to plan something special.
Here on NZS.com, you’ll find some great ideas for Father’s Day gifts in our article.
For the creative amongst us, you may also find inspiration from our Father’s Day poems or find out about buying a card, sending an e-card or creating a handmade card for dad in our Father’s Day Cards article.
Whatever you do, make sure your father or other male role models in your life (perhaps a grandfather, an uncle or a brother) feels appreciated this Fathers’ Day.
Posted in
General by
Nikki Webber on May 22nd, 2009
To many people Queen’s Birthday simply means an extra day off work and a long weekend, but what exactly is Queen’s Birthday all about? And why is it never held on the actual date of The Queen’s birth?
While New Zealand celebrations commemorating the birth of The Queen traditionally fall on the first Monday in June each year, The Queen was actually born on April 21, 1926. The Queen’s official birthday is celebrated on a different day in each of her Commonwealth countries, and none of these celebrate it on the same date every year. If you’re confused, you’re not the only one.
The tradition of having an official Queen’s Birthday date begun centuries ago, when outdoor celebrations to commemorate the birth of Monarchs with winter birthdays were ruined by cold, wet weather. The official celebrations of their birthdays were shifted to warmer summer months when parades and marches would be more welcome.
Which is ironic, given commonwealth countries in the Southern Hemisphere like New Zealand and Australia still celebrate Queen’s Birthday about the same time as in the Northern Hemisphere, which happens to be in our winter.
It may be a confusing holiday, but thanks to Her Majesty The Queen all of New Zealand’s working public are entitled to a public holiday paid day off or paid day in lieu on Monday 1 June this year in accordance with the Holidays Act.
Who wouldn’t want to celebrate that?
