Public holidays

Public holidays and anniversary dates

Employees have minimum rights that apply to public holidays.
Previous years: Public holidays and anniversary dates

New Zealand public holidays and anniversary dates for 2010 to 2023.
Managing public holidays as an employer

Your employees are entitled to a paid day off if a public holiday falls on a normal working day for them.
Public holidays rights for employees

An employee is entitled to a paid day off if a public holiday falls on a day they would otherwise be working.
Transferring a public holiday

An employer and employee can make an agreement to transfer an entire public holiday so that it is observed on another day.
Alternative holidays

An alternative holiday (sometimes called a ‘day in lieu’) is a day off to take at another time. Employees get an alternative holiday when they work on a public holiday that falls on a normal working day for them.
When a public holiday falls on a weekend

When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, an employee’s public holiday may be moved to the following Monday – or in some cases Tuesday.
Restricted trading days for shops

On three and a half days each year, almost all shops must close. But some shops can open with conditions, or they have an area exemption or Easter Sunday local policy.
Working and trading on Easter Sunday

In addition to the restricted trading rules, local council policies may also apply to shops wishing to trade on Easter Sunday.