Southland Anniversary Day is observed in New Zealand's southernmost historic province of Southland on the Tuesday after Easter. This day commemorates the separation of Southland Province from Otago Province on April 1, 1861. The region, known as Murihiku in Māori, was the site of early contact between local Māori iwi and European whalers and settlers in the 19th century. Following a controversial land sale in 1853, settlers petitioned for separation from Otago, leading to the establishment of Southland Province in 1861. However, due to economic challenges and a subsequent gold rush in Otago, Southland struggled and was officially abolished in 1870. Although the provincial system was short-lived, Southland Anniversary Day continues to be celebrated, marking the region's historical significance and the arrival of its first settlers.