In 1840 the name Wellington was chosen to honour the Duke of Wellington, who was a strong supporter of the New Zealand Company. Wellington Anniversary Day is observed within the boundaries of the former Wellington Province which stretched north to Woodville in southern Hawkes Bay, Waverley in south Taranaki and Owhango and Turangi in the central North Island. The highlight of the first Anniversary Day, in 1841, was a horse race on Te Aro Flat - which was reputedly the first organised race meeting in New Zealand.
This geocache was placed on Wellington Anniversary Day in 2016. The long summer weekend is enjoyed by residents of the capital and neighbouring regions as the holiday is always held on a Monday in the second half of January during the hottest month of the year. The long weekend provides an opportunity for Wellingtonians to go have a swim at the beach, take a bush walk, or paint the house. Some people are just content to sit at home relaxing, reading books and magazines, or watching cricket on the TV.
So what is the origin of Wellington Anniversary Weekend? Search for the answers to this fairly easy puzzle and you will soon know where it all started and why it is celebrated. Where:
A = What ship arrived in Wellington on 22 January 1840? (number of letters)
B = The first settlers were welcomed by the great Maori Te Atiawa chiefs, Te Wharepouri and Te ? (number of letters)
C = Wellington Province shared a boundary with the Auckland Province at latitude ?° south (2nd digit)
D = Only two acts of the provincial assembly are still in effect. These are the Manawatu Racecourse Act and the Wanganui And Rangitikei Racecourses Act, both enacted in the 18?0's
W = Arthur Richard Wellesley was born on ? February 1807
X = Arthur Wellesley was the successful commander of a significant battle in 1815. What was that battle? (number of letters)
Y = Wellington Province was a province of New Zealand from 1853 until the abolition of provincial government in 18?6
Z = The Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial was officially opened on 22 January ? (2nd digit).
The cache can be found at S 41 1A.BCD, East 174 4W.XYZ.
Checksum = 52
The cache is small container with a great view out over Wellington City and the adjacent regions.