Statement- Southland Anniversay
Southland Anniversary Day - March 25
The Chamber of Commerce states that Southland Anniversary Day is March 25th.
We stand behind March 25th as the day that Southland Businesses formally recognise as being that of Southland Anniversary Day, and from this should calculate their wage payments and staffing schedules.
The holidays act 1981 and its amendments in 2004 call for the Anniversary of Southland to be a public holiday – That is defined as the day that under the 1852 New Zealand Constitutional Act, the geographic area of Southland first became a province.
March 25th 1861 was the day in which the province of Southland was proclaimed by Order - In - Council and broke away from the Otago/Southland province. The establishing of Southland's independence became effective by Order - In - Council 1 April 1861.
There has been some debate over which day is Southland Anniversary day as some calendars have been suggesting that Invercargill’s anniversary day January 17 should also be recognised as Southlands’ Anniversary day, but it is clear to the business community that these are two separate occasions.
On July 30 2007 The Chamber of Commerce closed a public survey inviting submissions on what day Southland business should recognise as the day to observe. A paper was presented outlining the history and methodology behind the day. This and the results can be viewed at the Chamber office or at www.commercesouth.com/infozone.
The result was 54% in favor of March 25 with 14% in favor of combining with Invercargill on January 17 the 32% balance was spread.
The Chamber of Commerce constantly fields inquiries over which day is to be recognised and after careful research, consultation and consideration state that March 25 is recognised as Southland Anniversary day.
We suggest that for the purpose of observing a day as the public holiday to be taken, Employers may consider using the Monday (Mondayise) the closest weekend to March 25. This is a common practice with some currently using the Easter period for the purpose, capitalising on either the Thursday or Tuesday as it is close to March 25.
A resent court discussion, Nov 14:2007 (AirNZ vs NZ Airline Pilots Assoc) has given a interpretation on the moving of public holidays so we suggest you may like to contact your HR or legal adviser before deviating from March 25 .
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