St Patrick's Day celebrations in Wellington 2020. Photo / Supplied
With Covid-19 forcing most of the world to socially distance, New Zealand will be host to one of the only St Patrick's Day celebrations in the world.
Irish Ambassador Peter Ryan said this year will be historically significant in the way New Zealand pays tribute to Ireland's national day, celebrated today, March 17.
"This year's highlight will be the presentation of a bowl of shamrock to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Trevor Mallard."
They would also be having a Speaker's lunch in Parliament, with representatives from across the country invited to have lunch with New Zealand's Irish Business Network.
"It's the traditional way to celebrate St Patrick's Day around the world but it's the first time we are doing so in New Zealand," he said.
"St Patrick's Day seems to get more significant and more emotional every year but this year the thoughts of many will be with their fellow people all across the world but especially those back home in Ireland.
"One in six New Zealander's have Irish heritage, so the Irish pubs will be extremely popular but I think you'll find most clubs, restaurants and hotels across the country will be toasting to the day."
D4 on Featherston, one of Wellington's focal points amongst the Irish and Wellington community is preparing for its biggest day of the year.
Owner Dermot Murphy says Irish pubs play a massive role in the annual event.
"On St Patrick's Day we bring Ireland to the forefront and people remember their Irish roots," he said.
"But it's not all about going to the pub and drinking Guinness and what have you, it's about celebrating our national day and our culture.
"The pub scene in Ireland is massive and it's where a lot of work and business gets done as well as socialising. You go there to chit chat, talk about your day whether it was good or bad and just have a debrief."
He worries for those back in Ireland who have missed out on that piece of key social culture.
President of the Wellington Irish Community Ian Long said this year's week-long festivities kicked off with a blast.
"We were really delighted to see such a huge turnout for the St Patrick's parade in Wellington on Sunday.