[2] The holiday falls on the Monday closest to 29 January, the anniversary of the arrival of William Hobson, later the first Governor of New Zealand, in the country in 1840.

Auckland Anniversary Day was established by Governor Hobson's direction, over Willoughby Shortland's signature, in 1842.

The New Zealand Government Gazette of 26 January 1842 (Volume 2, 4th edition) carried a notice stating,[4] Saturday, the 29th instant, being the SECOND ANNIVERSARY of the establishment of the Colony, His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to direct that day to be held as a GENERAL HOLIDAY on which occasion the Public Offices will be closed.The choice of 29 January appeared strange, as Hobson stated that it was on the following day that he proclaimed British Sovereignty in New Zealand.

[4] 30 January 1840 was the day that the Union Jack was flown on the masthead of the HMS Herald, the ship that brought Hobson to the Bay of Islands, and saluted by guns.

[4] In 1841, there was no capacity for arranging anniversary celebrations, as the national capital was in the process of being shifted from Okiato to Auckland.