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New Zealand awareness days and key dates

Awareness days, weeks and months, with bank holidays and the big commercial dates. Pick a country and the types you need, then subscribe in your own calendar.

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  1. October 2026

  2. Tuesday 20 October 2026

    • Niue Language Week

      Religious and cultural18 to 24 October 2026

      A New Zealand week in mid October for the Niuean language, one of the Pacific Language Weeks. In 2026 it ran 18 to 24 October.

    • Safer Boating Week

      Awareness19 to 25 October 2026

      Safer Boating Week runs in late October in New Zealand, reminding boaties to prepare, check and know the conditions before summer.

    • Dussehra (Vijayadashami)

      Religious and cultural

      Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is the Hindu festival on the day after Navratri celebrating the victory of good over evil.

    • World Osteoporosis Day

      Awareness

      A global day on 20 October that raises awareness of osteoporosis, bone health and the prevention of fractures.

  3. Wednesday 21 October 2026

    • Global Ethics Day

      Awareness

      Held on the third Wednesday of October to encourage people and organisations to talk about ethics in public life and business.

    • New Zealand ShakeOut

      Awareness

      New Zealand ShakeOut is a national earthquake and tsunami drill where people practise Drop, Cover and Hold. The 2026 drill is Wednesday 21 October at 1.30pm.

  4. Thursday 22 October 2026

  5. Friday 23 October 2026

    • Hawke's Bay Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Hawke's Bay, with a historic date of 1 November, observed on the Friday before Labour Day; Friday 22 October in 2027.

    • International Day of the Snow Leopard

      Awareness

      The International Day of the Snow Leopard on 23 October raises awareness of threats to the snow leopard and the need to protect it.

  6. Saturday 24 October 2026

    • Disarmament Week

      Awareness24 to 30 October 2026

      Disarmament Week, 24 to 30 October, raises public awareness of disarmament and its role in peace and protecting civilians.

    • Global Media and Information Literacy Week

      Awareness24 to 31 October 2026

      Global Media and Information Literacy Week, 24 to 31 October, helps people find, judge and share information responsibly.

    • United Nations Day

      Awareness

      United Nations Day on 24 October marks the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force in 1945.

    • World Development Information Day

      Awareness

      World Development Information Day on 24 October draws attention to development problems and the need for international cooperation.

    • World Polio Day

      Awareness

      World Polio Day on 24 October each year marks progress towards ending polio and raises funds for vaccination.

  7. Sunday 25 October 2026

    • Tokelau Language Week

      Religious and cultural25 to 31 October 2026

      A New Zealand week in late October for the Tokelauan language, one of the Pacific Language Weeks. In 2026 it runs 25 to 31 October.

    • World Opera Day

      Awareness

      Celebrated on 25 October, the birthday of Georges Bizet and Johann Strauss II, to share opera with new audiences around the world.

  8. Monday 26 October 2026

    • Intersex Awareness Day

      Awareness

      Held on 26 October, Intersex Awareness Day raises awareness of intersex people and calls for an end to unnecessary medical interventions without consent.

    • Labour Day (New Zealand)

      Public holidays

      New Zealand public holiday on the fourth Monday in October, marking the campaign for an eight hour working day.

  9. Tuesday 27 October 2026

  10. Wednesday 28 October 2026

    • International Animation Day

      Awareness

      International Animation Day on 28 October celebrates animated film, marking the first public projection of moving images by Emile Reynaud in Paris in 1892.

    • Te Pūtake o te Riri, He Rā Maumahara

      Awareness

      New Zealand's national day of commemoration for the New Zealand Wars, set for 28 October each year.

  11. Thursday 29 October 2026

    • International Day of Care and Support

      Awareness

      The International Day of Care and Support on 29 October recognises the value of care work and calls for investment in care systems.

    • World Ballet Day

      Awareness

      An annual day in late October when ballet companies around the world stream classes, rehearsals and performances online.

    • World Psoriasis Day

      Awareness

      A global day on 29 October that raises awareness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and challenges stigma around them.

    • World Stroke Day

      Awareness

      A global day on 29 October to raise awareness of stroke, its warning signs and how it can be prevented.

  12. Saturday 31 October 2026

    • Auckland Diwali Festival

      Religious and cultural31 October to 1 November 2026

      A free weekend festival in central Auckland marking Diwali with Indian food, dance and music; the 2026 event is on 31 October and 1 November.

    • World Cities Day

      Awareness

      World Cities Day on 31 October draws attention to urbanisation and how to make cities sustainable and good places to live.

    • World Savings Day

      Awareness

      Marked on 31 October to encourage saving and to highlight the role of savings banks in helping people manage money.

  13. November 2026

  14. Sunday 1 November 2026

    • All Saints' Day

      Religious and cultural

      All Saints' Day on 1 November is a Christian festival honouring all saints, known and unknown.

    • Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)

      Religious and cultural1 to 2 November 2026

      The Day of the Dead on 1 and 2 November is a Mexican tradition honouring loved ones who have died, with altars and marigolds.

    • World Vegan Day

      Awareness

      World Vegan Day on 1 November celebrates veganism and the founding of The Vegan Society, and opens World Vegan Month.

  15. Monday 2 November 2026

    • All Souls' Day

      Religious and cultural

      All Souls' Day on 2 November is when many Christians remember and pray for those who have died.

    • International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists

      Awareness

      On 2 November the UN condemns attacks on journalists and urges states to bring those responsible to justice.

    • International Sherry Week

      Commercial and retail2 to 8 November 2026

      A week in early November when bars, restaurants and shops around the world hold tastings and events celebrating sherry.

    • International Stress Awareness Week

      Awareness2 to 6 November 2026

      A week in early November that raises awareness of stress and wellbeing, especially at work. The 2026 week runs 2 to 6 November.

    • Marlborough Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Marlborough, with a historic date of 1 November, observed on the first Monday after Labour Day; Monday 1 November in 2027.

  16. Tuesday 3 November 2026

  17. Thursday 5 November 2026

    • Bonfire Night

      Religious and cultural

      Held on 5 November across the UK with fireworks and bonfires, remembering the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

    • Outdoor Classroom Day (November)

      Awareness

      The autumn date of Outdoor Classroom Day, when schools take lessons and play outside to show the value of time outdoors.

    • World Tsunami Awareness Day

      Awareness

      World Tsunami Awareness Day on 5 November promotes understanding of tsunami risks and the steps that save lives.

  18. Friday 6 November 2026

  19. Sunday 8 November 2026

    • Bandi Chhor Divas

      Religious and cultural

      Bandi Chhor Divas is the Sikh festival of freedom, held on the same day as Diwali, falling on 8 November 2026.

    • Diwali

      Religious and cultural

      Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in October or November, the biggest date in the Hindu year.

    • International Day of Radiology

      Awareness

      A global day on 8 November, the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays, recognising medical imaging.

  20. Monday 9 November 2026

    • International Week of Science and Peace

      Awareness9 to 15 November 2026

      The International Week of Science and Peace, held in the week of 11 November, promotes links between science, cooperation and peace.

    • World Quality Week

      Awareness9 to 13 November 2026

      A week in November when organisations recognise the work of quality professionals and the value of quality management.

  21. Tuesday 10 November 2026

    • Hindu New Year (Annakut)

      Religious and cultural

      Hindu New Year, the day after Diwali in the Gujarati calendar, is marked with Annakut, a vast offering of food in temples.

    • NET Cancer Day

      Awareness

      A global day on 10 November that raises awareness of neuroendocrine cancers and the need for earlier diagnosis.

    • World Science Day for Peace and Development

      Awareness

      World Science Day for Peace and Development on 10 November highlights the role of science in society and in building sustainable futures.

  22. Wednesday 11 November 2026

    • Armistice Day

      Religious and cultural

      The anniversary on 11 November of the end of First World War fighting in 1918, marked with a two-minute silence at 11am.

    • Canterbury A&P Show

      Commercial and retail11 to 13 November 2026

      Canterbury's agricultural and pastoral show, held over three days in Christchurch during November Cup and Show Week; 2026 runs 11 to 13 November.

    • Singles' Day (11.11)

      Commercial and retail

      Singles' Day on 11 November is a major online shopping event, led by Alibaba's 11.11 festival in China.

  23. Thursday 12 November 2026

    • World Pneumonia Day

      Awareness

      Held on 12 November, World Pneumonia Day raises awareness of pneumonia, a leading infectious cause of death, and calls for better prevention and treatment.

  24. Friday 13 November 2026

    • Canterbury Anniversary Day (Show Day)

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Canterbury, with a historic date of 16 December, observed on the Friday of the Canterbury A and P Show in November; Friday 12 November in 2027.

    • Chhath Puja

      Religious and cultural13 to 16 November 2026

      Chhath Puja is a four day Hindu festival honouring the Sun God, held six days after Diwali, from 13 to 16 November 2026.

    • Trans Awareness Week

      Awareness13 to 19 November 2026

      A week from 13 to 19 November raising awareness of trans people and the issues they face, leading into Trans Day of Remembrance.

    • World Kindness Day

      Awareness

      World Kindness Day on 13 November encourages people everywhere to carry out acts of kindness in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities.

  25. Saturday 14 November 2026

    • World Diabetes Day

      Awareness

      World Diabetes Day on 14 November raises awareness of diabetes and how type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.

  26. Sunday 15 November 2026

  27. Monday 16 November 2026

    • Global Entrepreneurship Week

      Awareness16 to 22 November 2026

      A worldwide week of events in mid November that encourages people to start and grow businesses, held from 16 to 22 November in 2026.

    • International Day for Tolerance

      Awareness

      The International Day for Tolerance on 16 November promotes respect for the world's diverse cultures and action against intolerance.

    • International Day of the Mediterranean Diet

      Awareness

      The International Day of the Mediterranean Diet on 16 November celebrates a healthy way of eating that is also recognised as living cultural heritage.

  28. Wednesday 18 November 2026

  29. Thursday 19 November 2026

    • International Men's Day

      Awareness

      International Men's Day on 19 November each year focuses on men's health and wellbeing and the positive contributions men make.

    • World Pancreatic Cancer Day

      Awareness

      A global day in November, on 19 November in 2026, that asks people to learn the warning signs of pancreatic cancer.

    • World Philosophy Day

      Awareness

      World Philosophy Day, on the third Thursday of November, celebrates philosophical thinking and open, reasoned debate.

    • World Toilet Day

      Awareness

      World Toilet Day on 19 November raises awareness of the billions of people who still lack safe sanitation.

  30. Friday 20 November 2026

    • Africa Industrialization Day

      Awareness

      Africa Industrialization Day on 20 November builds international support for industrial development across Africa.

    • Transgender Day of Remembrance

      Awareness

      A day on 20 November remembering trans people whose lives were lost to anti-trans violence.

    • World Children's Day

      Awareness

      World Children's Day on 20 November is UNICEF's day of action for children's rights, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

  31. Saturday 21 November 2026

    • International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day

      Awareness

      A day on the Saturday before US Thanksgiving when people bereaved by suicide gather for support. The 2026 day is 21 November.

    • World Television Day

      Awareness

      World Television Day on 21 November recognises the influence of television in drawing attention to global issues.

  32. Sunday 22 November 2026

    • Christ the King

      Religious and cultural

      Christ the King is the Christian festival on the Sunday before Advent, closing the church year; it falls on 22 November 2026.

    • Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week

      Religious and cultural22 to 28 November 2026

      A New Zealand week in late November for the Solomon Islands Pidgin language, one of the Pacific Language Weeks. In 2026 it runs 22 to 28 November.

  33. Tuesday 24 November 2026

    • Guru Nanak Gurpurab

      Religious and cultural

      Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, on the full moon of Kartik in November.

    • World Conjoined Twins Day

      Awareness

      World Conjoined Twins Day on 24 November raises awareness of conjoined twins and promotes their wellbeing and inclusion.

  34. Wednesday 25 November 2026

  35. Thursday 26 November 2026

    • World Sustainable Transport Day

      Awareness

      World Sustainable Transport Day on 26 November promotes safe, affordable, accessible and clean transport for everyone.

  36. Friday 27 November 2026

  37. Sunday 29 November 2026

  38. Monday 30 November 2026

    • Chatham Islands Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Chatham Islands, with a historic date of 30 November, observed on the Monday nearest 30 November; Monday 29 November in 2027.

    • Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

      Awareness

      On 30 November the UN and OPCW honour the victims of chemical warfare and renew the commitment to eliminate chemical weapons.

    • Westland Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Westland, with a historic date of 1 December, observed on the Monday nearest 1 December, with local variation; Monday 29 November in 2027.

  39. December 2026

  40. Tuesday 1 December 2026

    • Giving Tuesday

      Awareness

      Giving Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving and encourages people around the world to give time, money or skills to good causes.

    • GivingTuesday (UK)

      Awareness

      A global day of giving on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, encouraging people to donate, volunteer or help others, on 1 December 2026.

    • World AIDS Day

      Awareness

      World AIDS Day on 1 December highlights the work to end HIV and AIDS and remembers those who have died.

  41. Wednesday 2 December 2026

  42. Thursday 3 December 2026

  43. Friday 4 December 2026

  44. Saturday 5 December 2026

    • Hanukkah

      Religious and cultural5 to 12 December 2026

      Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish festival of lights in December, marked by lighting one more candle each night.

    • International Volunteer Day

      Awareness

      International Volunteer Day on 5 December thanks volunteers and promotes volunteering for peace and sustainable development.

    • World Soil Day

      Awareness

      World Soil Day on 5 December raises awareness of healthy soil and its role in food security and nature.

  45. Monday 7 December 2026

    • International Civil Aviation Day

      Awareness

      International Civil Aviation Day on 7 December highlights the importance of air travel to economic and social development.

  46. Tuesday 8 December 2026

    • Bodhi Day

      Religious and cultural

      Bodhi Day on 8 December marks the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, kept mainly in Japanese and Zen Buddhist traditions as Rohatsu.

  47. Wednesday 9 December 2026

  48. Thursday 10 December 2026

    • Human Rights Day

      Awareness

      Human Rights Day on 10 December marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948.

  49. Friday 11 December 2026

    • International Mountain Day

      Awareness

      International Mountain Day on 11 December brings mountain issues, such as melting glaciers, to the attention of politicians and the public.

  50. Saturday 12 December 2026

    • Christmas in the Park (Auckland)

      Religious and cultural

      A free Christmas concert in the Auckland Domain with music and fireworks, held on a Saturday in December; 2026 is on 12 December.

    • International Day of Neutrality

      Awareness

      The International Day of Neutrality on 12 December promotes neutral policies as a tool for preventive diplomacy.

    • International Universal Health Coverage Day

      Awareness

      Universal Health Coverage Day on 12 December calls for strong health systems that give everyone access to care without financial hardship.

  51. Monday 14 December 2026

  52. Tuesday 15 December 2026

    • World Turkic Language Family Day

      Awareness

      World Turkic Language Family Day on 15 December celebrates the shared languages and cultural roots of Turkic-speaking peoples.

  53. Friday 18 December 2026

    • Arabic Language Day

      Awareness

      Arabic Language Day at the UN on 18 December celebrates Arabic, one of the UN's six official languages.

    • International Migrants Day

      Awareness

      International Migrants Day on 18 December raises awareness of the challenges of migration and calls for safer and fairer systems.

  54. Saturday 19 December 2026

  55. Sunday 20 December 2026

  56. Monday 21 December 2026

    • World Basketball Day

      Awareness

      World Basketball Day on 21 December celebrates basketball and its power to bring people together.

    • World Meditation Day

      Awareness

      World Meditation Day on 21 December raises awareness of meditation and its benefits for physical and mental health.

  57. Thursday 24 December 2026

    • Christmas Eve

      Religious and cultural

      Christmas Eve on 24 December is the evening before Christmas Day, when many churches hold carol, Christingle and Midnight Mass services.

    • International Anti-Cybercrime Day

      Awareness

      International Anti-Cybercrime Day on 24 December raises awareness of cybercrime and the UN convention to combat it.

  58. Friday 25 December 2026

    • Christmas Day

      Religious and cultural

      The Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus, held on 25 December and one of the biggest dates of the year for families and retailers.

  59. Saturday 26 December 2026

    • Boxing Day (New Zealand)

      Public holidays

      New Zealand public holiday on 26 December, moved to a weekday for most workers when it falls on a weekend.

  60. Sunday 27 December 2026

  61. Thursday 31 December 2026

    • New Year's Eve

      Religious and cultural

      New Year's Eve on 31 December is the last day of the year, marked with parties and midnight fireworks such as the London display.

  62. January 2027

  63. Friday 1 January 2027

    • New Year's Day (New Zealand)

      Public holidays

      New Zealand public holiday on 1 January, moved to a weekday for most workers when it falls on a weekend.

  64. Monday 4 January 2027

    • Day after New Year's Day (New Zealand)

      Public holidays

      New Zealand public holiday on 2 January, observed on Monday 4 January in 2027 for most workers because 2 January falls on a Saturday.

    • World Braille Day

      Awareness

      World Braille Day on 4 January highlights braille as an essential means of communication for blind and partially sighted people.

  65. Wednesday 6 January 2027

    • Epiphany

      Religious and cultural

      Epiphany on 6 January is the Christian feast marking the visit of the Magi and the revealing of Jesus to the wider world.

  66. Thursday 14 January 2027

    • Makar Sankranti

      Religious and cultural

      Makar Sankranti is a Hindu harvest festival in mid-January marking the sun's move into Capricorn, known as Uttarayan in Gujarat.

    • World Logic Day

      Awareness

      A UNESCO day on 14 January that celebrates logic and its place in science, technology and everyday reasoning.

  67. Friday 15 January 2027

    • Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab

      Religious and cultural

      Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab marks the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru, falling on 15 January 2027 in the SGPC calendar.

  68. Monday 18 January 2027

    • Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

      Religious and cultural18 to 25 January 2027

      Observed from 18 to 25 January, when churches of different traditions pray together for Christian unity.

  69. Saturday 23 January 2027

    • Tu BiShvat

      Religious and cultural

      Tu BiShvat, on 15 Shevat in the Jewish calendar, is the new year for trees, often marked by eating fruit and planting trees.

  70. Sunday 24 January 2027

    • International Day of Education

      Awareness

      The International Day of Education on 24 January celebrates the role of education in peace, development and fairer societies.

  71. Monday 25 January 2027

    • Burns Night

      Religious and cultural

      An evening on 25 January celebrating Scotland's national poet Robert Burns with suppers, haggis and readings of his work.

    • Wellington Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Wellington, with a historic date of 22 January, observed on the Monday nearest 22 January; Monday 25 January in 2027.

  72. Tuesday 26 January 2027

    • Australia Day

      Religious and cultural

      Australia Day on 26 January is Australia's national day, with events at home and among Australians abroad.

    • International Day of Clean Energy

      Awareness

      The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January calls for a fair and inclusive move away from fossil fuels towards clean energy.

  73. Wednesday 27 January 2027

  74. Thursday 28 January 2027

    • Data Protection Day

      Awareness

      Marked on 28 January to raise awareness of personal data protection and privacy rights, and known in some countries as Privacy Day.

    • International Day of Peaceful Coexistence

      Awareness

      The International Day of Peaceful Coexistence on 28 January promotes tolerance, respect for diversity and peace through education and dialogue.

  75. Saturday 30 January 2027

  76. Sunday 31 January 2027

    • World Leprosy Day

      Awareness

      An international day on the last Sunday of January that raises awareness of leprosy and the stigma faced by people affected by it.

  77. February 2027

  78. Monday 1 February 2027

    • Auckland Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Auckland, with a historic date of 29 January, observed on the Monday nearest 29 January; Monday 1 February in 2027.

    • Nelson Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Nelson, with a historic date of 1 February, observed on the Monday nearest 1 February; Monday 1 February in 2027.

    • World Interfaith Harmony Week

      Awareness1 to 7 February 2027

      World Interfaith Harmony Week runs from 1 to 7 February and promotes understanding and goodwill between people of all faiths and none.

  79. Tuesday 2 February 2027

    • Candlemas

      Religious and cultural

      Candlemas on 2 February, also called the Presentation of Christ in the Temple, closes the Christmas and Epiphany season in many churches.

    • World Wetlands Day

      Awareness

      World Wetlands Day on 2 February raises awareness of wetlands, which support a large share of the world's wildlife and are vanishing fast.

  80. Thursday 4 February 2027

    • International Day of Human Fraternity

      Awareness

      The International Day of Human Fraternity on 4 February promotes dialogue and tolerance between people of different religions and cultures.

    • World Cancer Day

      Awareness

      A global day on 4 February that encourages people and governments to act on cancer prevention, detection and treatment.

  81. Saturday 6 February 2027

  82. Monday 8 February 2027

    • International Epilepsy Day

      Awareness

      A global day on the second Monday of February to raise awareness of epilepsy and the needs of people who live with it.

  83. Tuesday 9 February 2027

    • Safer Internet Day

      Awareness

      A day each February promoting safe and positive use of technology for children and young people, held on 10 February 2026 and 9 February 2027.

  84. Wednesday 10 February 2027

    • Ash Wednesday

      Religious and cultural

      Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Christian year, falling 46 days before Easter Sunday.

    • International Day of the Arabian Leopard

      Awareness

      The International Day of the Arabian Leopard on 10 February raises awareness of a critically endangered big cat native to the Arabian Peninsula.

    • World Pulses Day

      Awareness

      World Pulses Day on 10 February celebrates beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas and their role in healthy diets and sustainable farming.

  85. Thursday 11 February 2027

    • International Day of Women and Girls in Science

      Awareness

      On 11 February the UN promotes full and equal access to science for women and girls, who remain under-represented in research.

    • Vasant Panchami

      Religious and cultural

      Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival in late January or February that welcomes spring and honours Saraswati, goddess of learning.

    • World Day of the Sick

      Religious and cultural

      A Catholic day of prayer on 11 February for people who are ill and for those who care for them.

  86. Friday 12 February 2027

  87. Saturday 13 February 2027

    • World Radio Day

      Awareness

      World Radio Day on 13 February celebrates radio as the world's most widely used medium and its reach into remote communities.

  88. Sunday 14 February 2027

    • Valentine's Day

      Commercial and retail

      A day for cards, flowers and gifts between partners, held on 14 February.

  89. Monday 15 February 2027

    • International Childhood Cancer Day

      Awareness

      Held on 15 February each year to raise awareness of cancer in children and teenagers and the support they and their families need.

  90. Wednesday 17 February 2027

    • Global Tourism Resilience Day

      Awareness

      Global Tourism Resilience Day on 17 February encourages countries to prepare tourism to withstand and recover from shocks and emergencies.

  91. Thursday 18 February 2027

    • Auckland Lantern Festival

      Religious and cultural18 to 21 February 2027

      Auckland's large lantern festival marking the Lunar New Year, with lantern displays, food and performances; the 2027 festival runs 18 to 21 February at the Manukau Sports Bowl.

  92. Saturday 20 February 2027

    • Lantern Festival

      Religious and cultural

      The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the lunar new year and closes the new year celebrations.

    • World Day of Social Justice

      Awareness

      The World Day of Social Justice on 20 February promotes fairness, decent work and social protection within and between countries.

    • World Pangolin Day

      Awareness

      Held on the third Saturday in February, World Pangolin Day raises awareness of pangolins, which are threatened by trafficking for their scales and meat.

  93. Sunday 21 February 2027

    • International Mother Language Day

      Awareness

      International Mother Language Day on 21 February promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and learning in the language people know best.

  94. Monday 22 February 2027

    • Te Matatini National Kapa Haka Festival

      Religious and cultural22 to 27 February 2027

      The national kapa haka championships, held every two years; the 2027 festival runs from 22 to 27 February 2027 at Hopuhopu in Waikato.

    • World Encephalitis Day

      Awareness

      A global awareness day on 22 February about encephalitis, inflammation of the brain, and the need for faster diagnosis and support.

    • World Thinking Day

      Awareness

      Held on 22 February, when Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world celebrate international friendship.

  95. Friday 26 February 2027

    • Big Heart Appeal

      Awareness26 to 27 February 2027

      The Heart Foundation's national street appeal, held over the last Friday and Saturday of February to fund heart research and care.

  96. Saturday 27 February 2027

    • International Polar Bear Day

      Awareness

      Held on 27 February, International Polar Bear Day raises awareness of polar bears and the threat that Arctic sea ice loss poses to them.

    • Pokemon Day

      Commercial and retail

      Pokemon Day on 27 February marks the anniversary of the first Pokemon games, with announcements, store events and online broadcasts for fans.

  97. Sunday 28 February 2027

    • Rare Disease Day

      Awareness

      A global day on the last day of February that raises awareness of rare diseases and the people living with them.

  98. March 2027

  99. Monday 1 March 2027

    • Self-injury Awareness Day

      Awareness

      A day on 1 March each year that raises awareness of self-harm, challenges stigma and encourages people to seek support.

    • World Seagrass Day

      Awareness

      World Seagrass Day on 1 March raises awareness of seagrass meadows, which shelter fish, protect coastlines and are being lost each year.

    • Zero Discrimination Day

      Awareness

      Zero Discrimination Day on 1 March, led by UNAIDS, celebrates everyone's right to live a full life with dignity, free from discrimination.

  100. Wednesday 3 March 2027

    • World Hearing Day

      Awareness

      A World Health Organization day on 3 March that raises awareness of how to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promotes ear and hearing care.

    • World Wildlife Day

      Awareness

      World Wildlife Day on 3 March celebrates wild plants and animals and highlights the need to tackle wildlife crime and species loss.

  101. Thursday 4 March 2027

    • Auckland Arts Festival

      Religious and cultural4 to 21 March 2027

      Auckland's annual international arts festival of theatre, music, dance and visual arts each March; the 2027 festival runs 4 to 21 March.

    • World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development

      Awareness

      World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development on 4 March highlights the role of engineers in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

    • World Obesity Day

      Awareness

      A global day of action on 4 March that aims to improve understanding, prevention and treatment of obesity.

  102. Friday 5 March 2027

  103. Saturday 6 March 2027

    • Maha Shivaratri

      Religious and cultural

      Maha Shivaratri is the great night of Shiva, a Hindu festival in February or March marked by fasting and night-long worship.

    • Seaweek (Kaupapa Moana)

      Awareness6 to 14 March 2027

      Seaweek is New Zealand's national week of events celebrating the sea, held over nine days in late February and early March.

  104. Sunday 7 March 2027

  105. Monday 8 March 2027

    • Commonwealth Day

      Religious and cultural

      Commonwealth Day, on the second Monday in March, celebrates the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth.

    • International Women's Day

      Awareness

      A global day on 8 March celebrating women's achievements and pushing for gender equality.

    • Taranaki Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Taranaki, with a historic date of 31 March, observed on the second Monday in March; Monday 8 March in 2027.

  106. Tuesday 9 March 2027

    • Eid al-Fitr

      Religious and cultural

      Eid al-Fitr is the Muslim festival that marks the end of Ramadan, celebrated with prayers, family meals and gifts.

  107. Wednesday 10 March 2027

    • International Day of Women Judges

      Awareness

      The International Day of Women Judges on 10 March promotes the full and equal participation of women at every level of the judiciary.

    • MAR10 Day

      Commercial and retail

      MAR10 Day on 10 March is Nintendo's yearly celebration of Mario, chosen because the date written as Mar 10 looks like the character's name.

  108. Thursday 11 March 2027

    • World Kidney Day

      Awareness

      A global day on the second Thursday of March that raises awareness of kidney health and the prevention of kidney disease.

  109. Saturday 13 March 2027

    • Pasifika Festival (Auckland)

      Religious and cultural13 to 14 March 2027

      A free two day celebration of Pacific Island cultures held at Western Springs Park in Auckland, usually in March; the 2026 festival was on 14 and 15 March.

  110. Sunday 14 March 2027

    • International Day of Action for Rivers

      Awareness

      Held on 14 March, when communities around the world take action to protect rivers and the people who depend on them.

    • International Day of Mathematics

      Awareness

      The International Day of Mathematics on 14 March, Pi Day, celebrates the role of mathematics in everyday life and in science.

    • World Glaucoma Week

      Awareness14 to 20 March 2027

      A global week in March encouraging regular eye checks to catch glaucoma early, held 8 to 14 March in 2026.

  111. Monday 15 March 2027

    • Brain Awareness Week

      Awareness15 to 21 March 2027

      A global campaign held in the third week of March to raise public interest in brain science, running 15 to 21 March in 2027.

    • Global Money Week

      Awareness15 to 21 March 2027

      An international week in March that helps children and young people learn about money, saving and financial decisions.

    • International Day to Combat Islamophobia

      Awareness

      The International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March promotes tolerance, respect for religious diversity and dialogue against anti-Muslim hatred.

    • Neurodiversity Celebration Week

      Awareness15 to 19 March 2027

      A week in March that encourages schools, universities and workplaces to recognise the strengths of neurodivergent people, held 15 to 19 March in 2027.

    • Nutrition and Hydration Week

      Awareness15 to 21 March 2027

      An international week each March focused on good food and drink in health and social care settings.

    • World Consumer Rights Day

      Awareness

      Marked each year on 15 March to promote consumer rights and protection around the world.

  112. Wednesday 17 March 2027

    • ASB Polyfest

      Religious and cultural17 to 20 March 2027

      Auckland's secondary schools Māori and Pacific cultural festival, where school groups perform on cultural stages over several days each March.

    • St Patrick's Day

      Religious and cultural

      St Patrick's Day on 17 March is Ireland's national day, celebrated with parades and green landmarks around the world.

  113. Thursday 18 March 2027

    • Global Recycling Day

      Awareness

      An international day on 18 March that promotes recycled materials as a valuable resource rather than waste.

  114. Friday 19 March 2027

    • Little Heart Day

      Awareness

      Heart Kids NZ's annual appeal in March for children with heart conditions, held on Friday 20 March in 2026.

    • World Sleep Day

      Awareness

      A global day in March, held on the Friday before the spring equinox, that highlights the importance of healthy sleep.

  115. Saturday 20 March 2027

    • Earth Hour

      Awareness

      A global lights-off hour at 8.30pm local time on a Saturday in late March, held on 28 March 2026 and 20 March 2027.

    • French Language Day

      Awareness

      French Language Day at the UN on 20 March celebrates the history, culture and use of French, one of the UN's six official languages.

    • International Day of Happiness

      Awareness

      The International Day of Happiness on 20 March recognises happiness and wellbeing as basic human goals that public policy should support.

    • World Oral Health Day

      Awareness

      A global day on 20 March promoting good oral health for people of all ages.

    • World Sparrow Day

      Awareness

      Held on 20 March to raise awareness of the house sparrow and other common birds and the threats they face in towns and cities.

  116. Sunday 21 March 2027

    • International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

      Awareness

      On 21 March the UN calls for action against racism, marking the anniversary of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa.

    • International Day of Forests

      Awareness

      The International Day of Forests on 21 March celebrates forests of every kind and encourages events such as tree planting.

    • International Day of Nowruz

      Religious and cultural

      The International Day of Nowruz on 21 March marks the Persian new year, celebrated at the spring equinox by many communities worldwide.

    • International Day of Nowruz

      Awareness

      The International Day of Nowruz on 21 March marks the spring new year festival celebrated by millions across many countries.

    • Palm Sunday

      Religious and cultural

      Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter, when Christians remember Jesus entering Jerusalem and Holy Week begins.

    • Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination

      Awareness21 to 27 March 2027

      From 21 to 27 March the UN encourages a week of solidarity with people fighting racism and racial discrimination.

    • World Day for Glaciers

      Awareness

      The World Day for Glaciers on 21 March raises awareness of glaciers, snow and ice and their vital role in the world's water supply.

    • World Down Syndrome Day

      Awareness

      World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March raises awareness of Down syndrome and promotes the inclusion of people who have it.

    • World Poetry Day

      Awareness

      World Poetry Day on 21 March honours poets, promotes reading and writing poetry and supports linguistic diversity.

    • World Puppetry Day

      Awareness

      Marked on 21 March to celebrate the art of puppetry and the puppeteers who keep it alive around the world.

  117. Monday 22 March 2027

    • Otago Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Otago, with a historic date of 23 March, observed on the Monday nearest 23 March; Monday 22 March in 2027.

    • World Water Day

      Awareness

      World Water Day on 22 March focuses attention on fresh water and the billions of people still without safe water and sanitation.

  118. Tuesday 23 March 2027

    • Holi

      Religious and cultural

      Holi is the Hindu festival of colours in March, celebrating spring and the victory of good over evil.

    • Purim

      Religious and cultural

      Purim is a joyful one-day Jewish festival in late winter or early spring, celebrating the story of Esther.

    • World Meteorological Day

      Awareness

      World Meteorological Day on 23 March highlights the work of weather, climate and water services in keeping people safe.

  119. Wednesday 24 March 2027

  120. Thursday 25 March 2027

  121. Friday 26 March 2027

    • Good Friday (Christian observance)

      Religious and cultural

      Good Friday, two days before Easter Sunday, is the day Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus.

    • Purple Day

      Awareness

      An international epilepsy awareness day on 26 March, when people wear purple and hold events to support those living with epilepsy.

  122. Saturday 27 March 2027

    • World Theatre Day

      Awareness

      World Theatre Day on 27 March celebrates theatre worldwide, with an international message written each year by a leading theatre figure.

  123. Sunday 28 March 2027

    • Easter Sunday

      Religious and cultural

      The main Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Its date moves each year with the spring full moon.

  124. Monday 29 March 2027

  125. Tuesday 30 March 2027

    • International Day of Zero Waste

      Awareness

      The International Day of Zero Waste on 30 March promotes cutting waste, reusing materials and moving towards a circular economy.

    • Southland Anniversary Day

      Public holidays

      Regional public holiday for Southland, with a historic date of 17 January, observed on the Easter Tuesday; Tuesday 30 March in 2027.

    • World Bipolar Day

      Awareness

      An international day on 30 March that raises awareness of bipolar disorder and works to reduce the stigma around it.

  126. Wednesday 31 March 2027

  127. April 2027

  128. Friday 2 April 2027

    • World Autism Awareness Day

      Awareness

      World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April promotes the rights, acceptance and full participation of autistic people.

  129. Sunday 4 April 2027

  130. Monday 5 April 2027

    • International Day of Conscience

      Awareness

      The International Day of Conscience on 5 April encourages people to reflect on their actions and build a culture of peace with love and conscience.

    • Qingming Festival

      Religious and cultural

      Qingming, or Tomb Sweeping Day, is the Chinese festival in early April when families tend ancestors' graves and remember the dead.

  131. Tuesday 6 April 2027

  132. Wednesday 7 April 2027

  133. Saturday 10 April 2027

    • Siblings Day

      Commercial and retail

      Siblings Day on 10 April celebrates brothers and sisters, and is widely marked on social media.

  134. Sunday 11 April 2027

    • World Parkinson's Day

      Awareness

      A global awareness day for Parkinson's held on 11 April, the birthday of James Parkinson.

  135. Monday 12 April 2027

  136. Wednesday 14 April 2027

    • Vaisakhi

      Religious and cultural

      Vaisakhi, usually on 14 April, is the Sikh new year and harvest festival marking the founding of the Khalsa in 1699.

    • World Chagas Disease Day

      Awareness

      World Chagas Disease Day on 14 April raises awareness of a neglected tropical disease that can silently damage the heart and gut.

  137. Thursday 15 April 2027

    • International Wellness Day

      Awareness

      International Wellness Day promotes affordable, inclusive wellness practices for body and mind. The UN lists it in mid April.

    • Ram Navami

      Religious and cultural

      Ram Navami is the Hindu festival in spring celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.

    • World Art Day

      Awareness

      A UNESCO day held on 15 April to celebrate the arts and the part they play in creativity and cultural life.

  138. Saturday 17 April 2027

    • World Hemophilia Day

      Awareness

      A global day on 17 April that raises awareness of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.

  139. Sunday 18 April 2027

  140. Monday 19 April 2027

    • Conservation Week (New Zealand)

      Awareness19 to 25 April 2027

      Conservation Week, Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroa, is the Department of Conservation's national week in April encouraging people to get outdoors and help nature.

    • Lesbian Visibility Week

      Awareness19 to 25 April 2027

      A week in April celebrating lesbian, bi and queer women and non-binary people and raising their visibility.

    • Mahavir Jayanti

      Religious and cultural

      Mahavir Jayanti is the main Jain festival, held in March or April to celebrate the birth of Mahavira.

  141. Tuesday 20 April 2027

    • Chinese Language Day

      Awareness

      Chinese Language Day at the UN on 20 April celebrates Chinese, one of the UN's six official languages, and promotes multilingualism.

    • Hanuman Jayanti

      Religious and cultural

      Hanuman Jayanti is a Hindu festival in spring celebrating the birth of Hanuman, the devoted companion of Lord Rama.