Current Time in IANA Pacific/Chatham Timezone
IANA Name: Pacific/Chatham
Standard Offset: UTC +12:45
Daylight Saving: Yes
DST Offset: UTC +13:45
DST Abbreviation: GMT+1345
Currently Observing DST: No ❌
Pacific/Chatham: The World's Most Unusual Time Zone
Pacific/Chatham is the IANA time zone identifier for the Chatham Islands, a remote archipelago of New Zealand. It is famous for its unique offset of UTC+12:45 during standard time and UTC+13:45 during daylight saving time, making it one of only two time zones in the world that use a 45-minute offset (the other being Nepal at UTC+05:45). This zone is used exclusively by the Chatham Islands, which are part of New Zealand but operate on their own time, 45 minutes ahead of mainland New Zealand.
Where Pacific/Chatham Applies and Who Uses It
Pacific/Chatham applies only to the Chatham Islands (Rēkohu in Moriori, Wharekauri in Māori), located about 800 kilometers east of New Zealand's South Island. The islands have a population of roughly 600 people, primarily in the settlement of Waitangi. The time zone is used year-round by all residents and businesses on the islands. The rest of New Zealand uses Pacific/Auckland (UTC+12:00 standard, UTC+13:00 daylight), so the Chatham Islands are always 45 minutes ahead of the New Zealand mainland.
How the Offset Works and Abbreviation Meaning
The standard time offset is UTC+12:45, meaning when it is 12:00 UTC, it is 00:45 on the Chatham Islands (the next day). The abbreviation for this time is CHAST (Chatham Island Standard Time). During daylight saving time, the offset shifts to UTC+13:45, abbreviated as CHADT (Chatham Island Daylight Time). The 45-minute offset stems from the islands' longitudinal position (176°W), which falls between the standard 15-degree time zone bands. New Zealand chose to align the Chatham Islands with a half-hour offset from mainland time rather than a full hour, creating this unique 45-minute difference.
Daylight Saving Behaviour and Yearly Rhythm
Pacific/Chatham observes daylight saving time (DST) in sync with mainland New Zealand but with the same 45-minute offset. DST begins on the last Sunday of September (spring forward) and ends on the first Sunday of April (fall back). Clocks change at 02:00 local time (CHAST) to 03:00 (CHADT) in September, and from 02:00 (CHADT) to 01:00 (CHAST) in April. Recent and upcoming dates: 2025-04-06 (fall back to +1245), 2025-09-28 (spring forward to +1345), 2026-04-05 (fall back), 2026-09-27 (spring forward). During DST, the Chatham Islands are 45 minutes ahead of mainland New Zealand's daylight time (NZDT, UTC+13:00), so the difference remains consistent.
Main Countries and Cities
- Country: New Zealand (Chatham Islands territory)
- Main settlement: Waitangi (population ~200)
- Other settlements: Te One, Owenga, Kaingaroa, Port Hutt
The entire Chatham Islands land area (about 966 km²) uses Pacific/Chatham. There are no other countries or territories using this zone.
Practical Guidance for Business Hours Overlap and Scheduling Calls
Scheduling with the Chatham Islands requires careful attention due to the 45-minute offset. For example, when it is 12:00 in Auckland (NZST), it is 12:45 in the Chatham Islands. During DST, the difference remains 45 minutes. Common business hours (9:00-17:00) on the Chatham Islands overlap with mainland New Zealand from 09:00-16:15 (mainland behind). For international calls, note that Chatham Islands time is 45 minutes ahead of most of New Zealand, 16 hours 45 minutes ahead of New York (EST), and 11 hours 45 minutes ahead of London (GMT) during standard time. Use tools like world clocks that support 45-minute offsets. When scheduling, always specify "Chatham Islands time" and include the offset (e.g., 10:00 CHAST or 10:00 UTC+12:45).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Chatham Islands use a 45-minute offset?
The Chatham Islands are located at longitude 176°W, which is 45 minutes ahead of the 180° meridian (used for UTC+12). New Zealand decided to keep the islands on a time that is 45 minutes ahead of mainland New Zealand rather than a full hour, to reflect their geographical position and maintain a consistent relationship with the mainland.
Is Pacific/Chatham the same as Pacific/Auckland?
No. Pacific/Auckland is used on mainland New Zealand (UTC+12:00 standard, UTC+13:00 daylight). Pacific/Chatham is always 45 minutes ahead of Pacific/Auckland. They share the same DST transition dates but with different local times.
Do the Chatham Islands observe daylight saving time?
Yes. They follow the same DST schedule as mainland New Zealand: clocks spring forward on the last Sunday of September and fall back on the first Sunday of April. The offset changes from UTC+12:45 to UTC+13:45 and back.
What is the abbreviation for Chatham Islands time?
CHAST for standard time (Chatham Island Standard Time, UTC+12:45) and CHADT for daylight time (Chatham Island Daylight Time, UTC+13:45). These are used in time zone databases and some scheduling software.
How do I convert Chatham Islands time to my local time?
First, determine the current UTC offset for the Chatham Islands (either +12:45 or +13:45). Then add or subtract that offset from UTC to get local time. For example, if it is 12:00 UTC and DST is in effect (UTC+13:45), it is 01:45 the next day on the Chatham Islands. Many online converters support 45-minute offsets.
Are there any other time zones with a 45-minute offset?
Yes, Nepal uses UTC+05:45. The Chatham Islands and Nepal are the only two places in the world with a 45-minute offset from UTC. The Chatham Islands are unique for having a 45-minute offset that also observes daylight saving time.