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{{Use New Zealand English|date=December 2023}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=December 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
'''Crate Day''' is an unofficial celebration in New Zealand, held on the first Saturday of December.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crate Day in New Zealand in 2020|url=https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/new-zealand/crate-day-nz|access-date=2020-11-27|website=There is a Day for That!|language=en-US}}</ref> Participants set themselves the challenge of finishing a crate of twelve 745ml beer bottles from 12pm until midnight.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=Ethan |date=2 December 2020 |title=Crate Day: Hospital warns of binge-drinking dangers |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/crate-day-whanganui-hospital-urging-people-to-put-mates-before-crates/D7Q4UU26W6NL7S5DVTQT7Q57QU/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> The total alcohol content of a whole crate, 300 grams, is close to a lethal dose.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iasona |first=Seni |date=2 December 2022 |title=Crate Day: Alcohol expert Professor Doug Sellman suggests The Rock 'pick up the tab' for harm caused from 'drunken drongo day' |language=en-NZ |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/12/crate-day-alcohol-expert-professor-doug-sellman-suggests-the-rock-pick-up-the-tab-for-harm-caused-from-drunken-drongo-day.html |access-date=1 December 2023}}</ref> The event was originally created by [[The Rock (radio station)|The Rock]] radio station in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-12-01|title=How New Zealand's national Crate Day came to be|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/87067176/how-new-zealands-national-crate-day-came-to-be|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zollickhofer |first=Danielle |date=3 December 2021 |title=Crate Day in middle of pandemic puts pressure on already stretched ED staff |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/waikato-news/news/crate-day-in-middle-of-pandemic-puts-pressure-on-already-stretched-ed-staff/VFGAGO6YFTZPAEZG2JTZ24ZEYA/ |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gillespie |first=Kiri |date=7 December 2010 |title=Drunk students wreak havoc in city suburb |work=Bay of Plenty Times |url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/drunk-students-wreak-havoc-city-suburb/docview/816280369/se-2 |url-access=subscription |access-date=9 March 2023 |via=Proquest Australia & New Zealand Newsstream}}</ref> The event has grown in popularity since its creation, leading to a number of arrests and injuries.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-12-01|title=Crate Day a 'throwback' NZ can do without - National|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/99415442/crate-day-a-throwback-nz-can-do-without--national|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Stuff|language=en}}</ref> Many alcohol-related businesses have promotions for the event, and numerous local councils enact liquor bans during the weekend.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 2, 2019|title=24-hour alcohol ban for downtown Queenstown on Crate Day|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1912/S00032/24-hour-alcohol-ban-for-downtown-queenstown-on-crate-day.htm|access-date=2020-11-27|website=www.scoop.co.nz}}</ref>


{{Infobox holiday
== Origin ==
| type = Secular
In November 2010, The Rock, a New Zealand mainstream rock radio station, started The Rock National Crate Day, an event they promoted on air and alongside themed merchandise sales.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheRockFM/posts/here-is-our-national-crate-day-singlet-slogan-options1-drinking-for-the-furnitur/140969729287730/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=www.facebook.com}}</ref> The station held a 12-hour broadcast starting from 12pm,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Rock - Happy National Crate Day New Zealand! We'll be doing a live #CrateDay broadcast from the boss's place from midday, so tune in to hear the latest from us and also the Crate Day Hundy. Remember to look after your mates and follow the 10 Commandments! {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheRockFM/photos/a.394132128536/10152868512718537/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref> with participants invited to listen in as they consumed a crate of twelve 745ml beer bottles in a social setting.
| holiday_name = Crate Day
| observedby = [[New Zealand]]ers
| celebrations = Beer consumption, liquor store discounts
| date =
| month = December
| duration = 1 day
| frequency = Annual
| firsttime = 2010
| startedby = [[The Rock (radio station)|The Rock]]
| week_ordinal = first
| weekday = Saturday
| significance = Observing the start of summer
}}


'''Crate Day''' is an unofficial celebration in [[New Zealand]], held on the first Saturday of December every year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crate Day in New Zealand in 2020|url=https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/new-zealand/crate-day-nz|access-date=2020-11-27|website=There is a Day for That!|language=en-US|archive-date=25 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025230850/https://www.thereisadayforthat.com/holidays/new-zealand/crate-day-nz|url-status=live}}</ref> Participants set themselves the challenge of finishing a crate of twelve 745ml [[beer]] bottles between 12pm until midnight.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Griffiths |first=Ethan |date=2 December 2020 |title=Crate Day: Hospital warns of binge-drinking dangers |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/crate-day-whanganui-hospital-urging-people-to-put-mates-before-crates/D7Q4UU26W6NL7S5DVTQT7Q57QU/ |access-date=1 December 2023 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216014824/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/crate-day-whanganui-hospital-urging-people-to-put-mates-before-crates/D7Q4UU26W6NL7S5DVTQT7Q57QU/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The total alcohol content of a crate, 300 grams, is close to a [[lethal dose]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Iasona |first=Seni |date=2 December 2022 |title=Crate Day: Alcohol expert Professor Doug Sellman suggests The Rock 'pick up the tab' for harm caused from 'drunken drongo day' |language=en-NZ |work=Newshub |url=https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/12/crate-day-alcohol-expert-professor-doug-sellman-suggests-the-rock-pick-up-the-tab-for-harm-caused-from-drunken-drongo-day.html |access-date=1 December 2023 |archive-date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216165829/https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/12/crate-day-alcohol-expert-professor-doug-sellman-suggests-the-rock-pick-up-the-tab-for-harm-caused-from-drunken-drongo-day.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Rock published a yearly list of 10 "commandments" for participants to follow, including supporting "Thy crate of origin", referring to drinking beer from an individual's hometown or region, and "Thou only beef that should attend National Crate Day is thy beef for thy BBQ".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Rock - Happy National Crate Day NZ! Remember to look after your mates, crank up The Rock for the #CrateDay Hundy, follow the commandments and oh yeah...have a bloody great time! {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheRockFM/photos/a.394132128536/10153761052943537/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref> The event soon grew in popularity, with the event now yearly resulting in a related rise of injuries and arrests. The Rock no longer promotes the event.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gibbs |first=Tatiana |date=6 December 2022 |title=Crate Day drivers ignore DOC rules and hoon through rare bird nesting area |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/130674551/crate-day-drivers-ignore-doc-rules-and-hoon-through-rare-bird-nesting-area |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref>

Crate Day was first promoted by radio station [[The Rock (radio station)|The Rock]] in 2010,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-12-01|title=How New Zealand's national Crate Day came to be|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/87067176/how-new-zealands-national-crate-day-came-to-be|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Stuff|language=en|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035602/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/87067176/how-new-zealands-national-crate-day-came-to-be|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zollickhofer |first=Danielle |date=3 December 2021 |title=Crate Day in middle of pandemic puts pressure on already stretched ED staff |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/waikato-news/news/crate-day-in-middle-of-pandemic-puts-pressure-on-already-stretched-ed-staff/VFGAGO6YFTZPAEZG2JTZ24ZEYA/ |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309030527/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/waikato-news/news/crate-day-in-middle-of-pandemic-puts-pressure-on-already-stretched-ed-staff/VFGAGO6YFTZPAEZG2JTZ24ZEYA/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gillespie |first=Kiri |date=7 December 2010 |title=Drunk students wreak havoc in city suburb |work=Bay of Plenty Times |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/816280369 |url-access=subscription |access-date=9 March 2023 |id={{ProQuest|816280369}} |via=Proquest Australia & New Zealand Newsstream}}</ref> and the event has since grown in popularity, leading to a number of disturbances, arrests, and injuries each year.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-12-01|title=Crate Day a 'throwback' NZ can do without - National|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/99415442/crate-day-a-throwback-nz-can-do-without--national|access-date=2020-11-27|website=Stuff|language=en|archive-date=8 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208005652/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/99415442/crate-day-a-throwback-nz-can-do-without--national|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Chumko |first=André |date=December 2, 2023 |title=The unseen horrors of Crate Day |url=https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350123532/unseen-horrors-crate-day |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=www.thepost.co.nz |archive-date=24 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224115246/https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350123532/unseen-horrors-crate-day |url-status=live }}</ref> Many alcohol-related businesses have promotions for the event, and numerous local councils enact [[Alcohol law|liquor bans]] or restrictions over the weekend.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 2, 2019|title=24-hour alcohol ban for downtown Queenstown on Crate Day|url=https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1912/S00032/24-hour-alcohol-ban-for-downtown-queenstown-on-crate-day.htm|access-date=2020-11-27|website=www.scoop.co.nz|archive-date=7 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807020445/https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1912/S00032/24-hour-alcohol-ban-for-downtown-queenstown-on-crate-day.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The Rock no longer promotes the event.

== History ==
In 2010,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=McConnell |first=Glenn |date=2016-12-01 |title=How New Zealand's national Crate Day came to be |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/87067176/how-new-zealands-national-crate-day-came-to-be |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035602/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/87067176/how-new-zealands-national-crate-day-came-to-be |url-status=live }}</ref> mainstream rock radio station The Rock started The Rock National Crate Day, a yearly event promoted on air alongside the sale of Crate Day themed merchandise.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheRockFM/posts/here-is-our-national-crate-day-singlet-slogan-options1-drinking-for-the-furnitur/140969729287730/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=www.facebook.com |archive-date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203235956/https://www.facebook.com/TheRockFM/posts/here-is-our-national-crate-day-singlet-slogan-options1-drinking-for-the-furnitur/140969729287730/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Duncan Heyde, The Rock’s then-afternoon slot host, has been credited as an early major proponent of the event.<ref name=":1" /> The station held a 12-hour broadcast starting from 12pm,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Rock - Happy National Crate Day New Zealand! We'll be doing a live #CrateDay broadcast from the boss's place from midday, so tune in to hear the latest from us and also the Crate Day Hundy. Remember to look after your mates and follow the 10 Commandments! {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheRockFM/photos/a.394132128536/10152868512718537/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en |archive-date=4 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204000013/https://www.facebook.com/TheRockFM/photos/a.394132128536/10152868512718537/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with participants invited to listen in as they consumed a crate of twelve beer bottles in a social setting. The event was ostensibly promoted as a way to mark the start of summer with friends, hence it occurring on the first weekend of the season.

The Rock published a yearly list of 10 "commandments" for participants to follow, including supporting "thy crate of origin", referring to drinking beer from an individual's hometown or region, and "thou only beef that should attend National Crate Day is thy beef for thy BBQ".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Rock - Happy National Crate Day NZ! Remember to look after your mates, crank up The Rock for the #CrateDay Hundy, follow the commandments and oh yeah...have a bloody great time! {{!}} Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/TheRockFM/photos/a.394132128536/10153761052943537/ |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=www.facebook.com |language=en}}</ref> The event soon grew in popularity and became less connected with The Rock, with the weekend now seeing a rise of injuries and arrests each year. The Rock stopped officially promoting National Crate Day in 2019.<ref name=":3" />


== Controversy ==
== Controversy ==
The event started receiving media attention in 2013 for promoting binge drinking, with police and hospital staff citing it as a reason for an increase in hospital visits and arrests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=Crate Day gets thumbs down - Bay of Plenty Times News |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/crate-day-gets-thumbs-down/EZVQZLBZM6Z2ZOYSWXQVWJT7V4/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> A study released in 2023 found that on Crate Day weekends, compared to other weekends, twice as many drunk 20-34 year olds needed treatment at emergency departments in Waikato.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Rachel |date=2023-03-23 |title=Crate Day a 'public health concern' as Waikato ED numbers double |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/300835482/crate-day-a-public-health-concern-as-waikato-ed-numbers-double |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Stuff |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alcohol-related presentations to emergency departments on Crate Day in Waikato, New Zealand |url=https://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles/alcohol-related-presentations-to-emergency-departments-on-crate-day-in-waikato-new-zealand |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=journal.nzma.org.nz}}</ref> Most of these patients were male.
The event started receiving media criticism in the early 2010s for promoting [[binge drinking]], with police and hospital staff citing it as a reason for an increase in hospital visits and arrests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=Crate Day gets thumbs down - Bay of Plenty Times News |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/crate-day-gets-thumbs-down/EZVQZLBZM6Z2ZOYSWXQVWJT7V4/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=15 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215113239/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/crate-day-gets-thumbs-down/EZVQZLBZM6Z2ZOYSWXQVWJT7V4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A study released in 2023 found that on Crate Day weekends, compared to other weekends, twice as many drunk 20-34 year olds needed treatment at emergency departments in Waikato.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Rachel |date=2023-03-23 |title=Crate Day a 'public health concern' as Waikato ED numbers double |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/300835482/crate-day-a-public-health-concern-as-waikato-ed-numbers-double |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=1 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201214706/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/300835482/crate-day-a-public-health-concern-as-waikato-ed-numbers-double |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Alcohol-related presentations to emergency departments on Crate Day in Waikato, New Zealand |url=https://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles/alcohol-related-presentations-to-emergency-departments-on-crate-day-in-waikato-new-zealand |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=journal.nzma.org.nz |archive-date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216071946/https://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles/alcohol-related-presentations-to-emergency-departments-on-crate-day-in-waikato-new-zealand |url-status=live }}</ref> Two thirds of the patients hospitalised for alcohol-related reasons were male.


In November 2015, two complaints were laid with [[Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals|SPCA New Zealand]] after a [[Taranaki]] man shared his Crate Day plans on Facebook, including the spit roasting of a miniature horse.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilkinson |first=Jeremy |date=2015-12-07 |title=Complaint laid with SPCA about crate day plans to roast miniature horse |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/74831761/complaint-laid-with-spca-about-crate-day-plans-to-roast-miniature-horse |access-date=2023-12-14 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214061003/https://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/news/74831761/complaint-laid-with-spca-about-crate-day-plans-to-roast-miniature-horse |url-status=live }}</ref> He later added "If u wanna bring sum food all gd. Salad that will go with horse." The posts were later removed after the SPCA was contacted.
In December 2016, 300 people attended an impromptu Crate Day event held on the Village Green in central Queenstown.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=Drunken 'Crate Day' antics attract flak |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/drunken-queenstown-crate-day-antics-attract-flak/RKZAOB75LZUAKUYGAW7GZWHMD4/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ}}</ref> The event, organised through social media, resulted in trash and vomit being left behind.


In 2016, 300 people attended an impromptu Crate Day event held on the Village Green in central [[Queenstown, New Zealand|Queenstown]].<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=Drunken 'Crate Day' antics attract flak |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/drunken-queenstown-crate-day-antics-attract-flak/RKZAOB75LZUAKUYGAW7GZWHMD4/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=NZ Herald |language=en-NZ |archive-date=16 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231216111117/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/drunken-queenstown-crate-day-antics-attract-flak/RKZAOB75LZUAKUYGAW7GZWHMD4/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The event, organised through social media, resulted in trash and vomit being left behind, with locals calling for a liquor ban over the Crate Day weekend.<ref name=":4" />
In December 2022, a group of seventy 4WD vehicles were observed at the [[Ashley River / Rakahuri]] on the river bed where endangered birds were nesting, during an event to mark Crate Day. The endangered species that nest along the river bed from September to February include [[Double-banded plover|banded dotterel]] and [[black-fronted tern]]. Despite signs warning of fines and imprisonment for disturbing endangered species, the drivers went ahead and entered the river bed.<ref name=":0" />


In 2023, despite the presence of police, Department of Conservation staff, and Environment Canterbury representatives, a group of around 150 four wheel drive vehicles entered the Ashley River on Crate Day, causing disruption to the breeding colonies of endangered birds and crushing eggs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr-Laurie |first=Brett |date=3 December 2023 |title=Crate Day carnage: 4WDers terrorise endangered bird colonies on riverbed |url=https://www.thepress.co.nz/a/350123838/crate-day-carnage |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=The Press}}</ref>
In December 2022, a group of 70 four wheel drive vehicles were observed at the [[Ashley River / Rakahuri]] in [[Canterbury Region|Canterbury]] on the river bed where endangered birds were nesting, during an event to mark Crate Day. The endangered species that nest along the river bed from September to February include [[Double-banded plover|banded dotterel]] and [[black-fronted tern]]. Despite signs warning of fines and imprisonment for disturbing endangered species, the drivers went ahead and entered the river bed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Gibbs |first=Tatiana |date=6 December 2022 |title=Crate Day drivers ignore DOC rules and hoon through rare bird nesting area |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/130674551/crate-day-drivers-ignore-doc-rules-and-hoon-through-rare-bird-nesting-area |access-date=2023-07-12 |website=Stuff |language=en |archive-date=8 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208065815/https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/130674551/crate-day-drivers-ignore-doc-rules-and-hoon-through-rare-bird-nesting-area |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2023, despite the presence of police, Department of Conservation staff, and Environment Canterbury representatives, a group of around 150 4WD vehicles entered the Ashley River again on Crate Day, causing disruption to the breeding colonies of endangered birds and crushing eggs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kerr-Laurie |first=Brett |date=3 December 2023 |title=Crate Day carnage: 4WDers terrorise endangered bird colonies on riverbed |url=https://www.thepress.co.nz/a/350123838/crate-day-carnage |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=The Press |archive-date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203054740/https://www.thepress.co.nz/a/350123838/crate-day-carnage |url-status=live }}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
Crate Day was the inspiration for Truly Friday's single 'Crate Day'.<ref>{{Citation |title=Crate Day - Official Music Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgCyap4TeCU |access-date=2023-03-09 |language=en}}</ref>
Crate Day was the inspiration for Truly Friday's single 'Crate Day'.<ref>{{Citation |title=Crate Day - Official Music Video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgCyap4TeCU |access-date=2023-03-09 |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309030523/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgCyap4TeCU |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2022, New Zealand band [[DARTZ (New Zealand band)|DARTZ]] played four backyard Crate Day shows in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton in 12 hours.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gill |first=Sinead |date=2022-12-03 |title=The band touring four cities in 12 hours, in honour of crate day |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/130658685/the-band-touring-four-cities-in-12-hours-in-honour-of-crate-day |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=Stuff}}</ref> This followed the band playing 14 shows across Wellington for 2019's Crate Day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DARTZ - The Hardest Working Band In New Zealand |url=https://www.newzician.co.nz/features/dartz-the-hardest-working-band-in-new-zealand |access-date=2024-04-07 |website=Newzician Magazine |language=en-NZ}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[List of unofficial observances in New Zealand]]
* [[List of unofficial observances in New Zealand]]
* [[Alcohol in New Zealand]]
* [[Six o'clock swill]]


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Unofficial observances]]
[[Category:Unofficial observances]]
[[Category:Observances in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Observances in New Zealand]]


{{NewZealand-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:09, 7 April 2024

Crate Day
Observed byNew Zealanders
TypeSecular
SignificanceObserving the start of summer
CelebrationsBeer consumption, liquor store discounts
DateFirst Saturday in December
2023 dateDecember 2  (2023-12-02)
2024 dateDecember 7  (2024-12-07)
2025 dateDecember 6  (2025-12-06)
2026 dateDecember 5  (2026-12-05)
FrequencyAnnual
First time2010
Started byThe Rock

Crate Day is an unofficial celebration in New Zealand, held on the first Saturday of December every year.[1] Participants set themselves the challenge of finishing a crate of twelve 745ml beer bottles between 12pm until midnight.[2] The total alcohol content of a crate, 300 grams, is close to a lethal dose.[3]

Crate Day was first promoted by radio station The Rock in 2010,[4][5][6] and the event has since grown in popularity, leading to a number of disturbances, arrests, and injuries each year.[7][2][8] Many alcohol-related businesses have promotions for the event, and numerous local councils enact liquor bans or restrictions over the weekend.[9] The Rock no longer promotes the event.

History

[edit]

In 2010,[10] mainstream rock radio station The Rock started The Rock National Crate Day, a yearly event promoted on air alongside the sale of Crate Day themed merchandise.[11] Duncan Heyde, The Rock’s then-afternoon slot host, has been credited as an early major proponent of the event.[10] The station held a 12-hour broadcast starting from 12pm,[12] with participants invited to listen in as they consumed a crate of twelve beer bottles in a social setting. The event was ostensibly promoted as a way to mark the start of summer with friends, hence it occurring on the first weekend of the season.

The Rock published a yearly list of 10 "commandments" for participants to follow, including supporting "thy crate of origin", referring to drinking beer from an individual's hometown or region, and "thou only beef that should attend National Crate Day is thy beef for thy BBQ".[13] The event soon grew in popularity and became less connected with The Rock, with the weekend now seeing a rise of injuries and arrests each year. The Rock stopped officially promoting National Crate Day in 2019.[8]

Controversy

[edit]

The event started receiving media criticism in the early 2010s for promoting binge drinking, with police and hospital staff citing it as a reason for an increase in hospital visits and arrests.[14] A study released in 2023 found that on Crate Day weekends, compared to other weekends, twice as many drunk 20-34 year olds needed treatment at emergency departments in Waikato.[15][16] Two thirds of the patients hospitalised for alcohol-related reasons were male.

In November 2015, two complaints were laid with SPCA New Zealand after a Taranaki man shared his Crate Day plans on Facebook, including the spit roasting of a miniature horse.[17] He later added "If u wanna bring sum food all gd. Salad that will go with horse." The posts were later removed after the SPCA was contacted.

In 2016, 300 people attended an impromptu Crate Day event held on the Village Green in central Queenstown.[18] The event, organised through social media, resulted in trash and vomit being left behind, with locals calling for a liquor ban over the Crate Day weekend.[18]

In December 2022, a group of 70 four wheel drive vehicles were observed at the Ashley River / Rakahuri in Canterbury on the river bed where endangered birds were nesting, during an event to mark Crate Day. The endangered species that nest along the river bed from September to February include banded dotterel and black-fronted tern. Despite signs warning of fines and imprisonment for disturbing endangered species, the drivers went ahead and entered the river bed.[19] In December 2023, despite the presence of police, Department of Conservation staff, and Environment Canterbury representatives, a group of around 150 4WD vehicles entered the Ashley River again on Crate Day, causing disruption to the breeding colonies of endangered birds and crushing eggs.[20]

[edit]

Crate Day was the inspiration for Truly Friday's single 'Crate Day'.[21]

In 2022, New Zealand band DARTZ played four backyard Crate Day shows in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton in 12 hours.[22] This followed the band playing 14 shows across Wellington for 2019's Crate Day.[23]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Crate Day in New Zealand in 2020". There is a Day for That!. Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b Griffiths, Ethan (2 December 2020). "Crate Day: Hospital warns of binge-drinking dangers". NZ Herald. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  3. ^ Iasona, Seni (2 December 2022). "Crate Day: Alcohol expert Professor Doug Sellman suggests The Rock 'pick up the tab' for harm caused from 'drunken drongo day'". Newshub. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
  4. ^ "How New Zealand's national Crate Day came to be". Stuff. 1 December 2016. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  5. ^ Zollickhofer, Danielle (3 December 2021). "Crate Day in middle of pandemic puts pressure on already stretched ED staff". NZ Herald. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  6. ^ Gillespie, Kiri (7 December 2010). "Drunk students wreak havoc in city suburb". Bay of Plenty Times. ProQuest 816280369. Retrieved 9 March 2023 – via Proquest Australia & New Zealand Newsstream.
  7. ^ "Crate Day a 'throwback' NZ can do without - National". Stuff. 1 December 2017. Archived from the original on 8 December 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  8. ^ a b Chumko, André (2 December 2023). "The unseen horrors of Crate Day". www.thepost.co.nz. Archived from the original on 24 December 2023. Retrieved 24 December 2023.
  9. ^ "24-hour alcohol ban for downtown Queenstown on Crate Day". www.scoop.co.nz. 2 December 2019. Archived from the original on 7 August 2020. Retrieved 27 November 2020.
  10. ^ a b McConnell, Glenn (1 December 2016). "How New Zealand's national Crate Day came to be". Stuff. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  11. ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  12. ^ "The Rock - Happy National Crate Day New Zealand! We'll be doing a live #CrateDay broadcast from the boss's place from midday, so tune in to hear the latest from us and also the Crate Day Hundy. Remember to look after your mates and follow the 10 Commandments! | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Archived from the original on 4 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  13. ^ "The Rock - Happy National Crate Day NZ! Remember to look after your mates, crank up The Rock for the #CrateDay Hundy, follow the commandments and oh yeah...have a bloody great time! | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  14. ^ "Crate Day gets thumbs down - Bay of Plenty Times News". NZ Herald. 4 December 2023. Archived from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  15. ^ Moore, Rachel (23 March 2023). "Crate Day a 'public health concern' as Waikato ED numbers double". Stuff. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  16. ^ "Alcohol-related presentations to emergency departments on Crate Day in Waikato, New Zealand". journal.nzma.org.nz. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  17. ^ Wilkinson, Jeremy (7 December 2015). "Complaint laid with SPCA about crate day plans to roast miniature horse". Stuff. Archived from the original on 14 December 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  18. ^ a b "Drunken 'Crate Day' antics attract flak". NZ Herald. 4 December 2023. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  19. ^ Gibbs, Tatiana (6 December 2022). "Crate Day drivers ignore DOC rules and hoon through rare bird nesting area". Stuff. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 12 July 2023.
  20. ^ Kerr-Laurie, Brett (3 December 2023). "Crate Day carnage: 4WDers terrorise endangered bird colonies on riverbed". The Press. Archived from the original on 3 December 2023. Retrieved 3 December 2023.
  21. ^ Crate Day - Official Music Video, archived from the original on 9 March 2023, retrieved 9 March 2023
  22. ^ Gill, Sinead (3 December 2022). "The band touring four cities in 12 hours, in honour of crate day". Stuff. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  23. ^ "DARTZ - The Hardest Working Band In New Zealand". Newzician Magazine. Retrieved 7 April 2024.