Irish Kiwis celebrate St Patrick's day for distant families in lockdown 16 Mar, 2021 04:28 PM 4 minutes to read St Patrick's Day celebrations in Wellington 2020. Photo / Supplied Wellington reporter, NewstalkZB 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."