The Full List of New Zealand's Public Holidays in 2024

Full List of New Zealand Public Holidays In 2024

How many public holidays in New Zealand?

Up to eleven national, religious, or cultural holidays are observed in New Zealand. While they happen yearly at about the same time, the observed date varies.

You might not be aware of your rights on public holidays in New Zealand if you are moving there for work or if you just started working after completing your education.

Days designated as public holidays are those on which many establishments, including government offices, schools, and businesses, close. The Holidays Act of 2003 sets forth these holidays.

First observed in 2022, Matariki was the most recent public holiday to be added to the New Zealand calendar. As King Charles succeeded Queen Elizabeth II as monarch in 2023, the holiday was renamed King's Birthday.

Apart from the official holidays, every region has an anniversary day when many workers take the day off. It follows that most Kiwis who work will get 12 public holidays off each year.

New Zealand began to "Mondayize" its public holidays in 2014. Previously, the day off was transferred to Monday if the holiday fell on a Saturday or Sunday.

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What distinguishes New Zealand's statutory holidays from those observed by observance?

Certain holidays are considered "statutory," meaning that if they fall on a day when an employee would often be at work, they are entitled to a paid day off. While some holidays, referred to as "observance" holidays, are observed, a day off from work is not guaranteed.

Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, April Fools' Day, Mother's Day, and Father's Day are a few examples of observance days. These are not public holidays in New Zealand, but they are celebrated by the general population.

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Full List of Public Holidays In New Zealand in 2024

How major public holidays are observed in New Zealand

Monday-focused

Anzac Day and Waitangi Day were "Mondayised" on January 1st, 2014, meaning that if they fell on a weekend, the Monday after became a day off from work. On the actual holiday date, these celebrations will still take place. Visit the federal employment website to learn more about how this impacts employers and workers, and don't miss their fantastic Mondayization Flowchart.

The first day of the new year and the day after it

The first and second of January are the dates for these two resolution-laden holidays; however, if one or both fall on a weekend, the holiday is actually commemorated on the next working weekday.

For instance, New Year's Day fell on a Sunday in 2012. The Day After New Year's Day holiday took over Monday, therefore the celebration was moved to Tuesday, January 3, as the original plan called for.

Days of Anniversaries

The majority of provincial regions have a set date, which occasionally falls on a weekend. Thankfully, everyone recognizes our need for a holiday, so if the anniversary falls on a weekend, it is graciously moved to a Monday or Friday so we may have a day of celebration indoors or outdoors!

Which day, though, is it shifted to? This can change and is occasionally decided upon. In order to avoid falling on or close to a major holiday like Easter, the anniversary holiday may even be rearranged.

Waitangi Day

Every year on February 6th, Waitangi Day is observed to honor the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (Tiriti o Waitangi). In New Zealand, it's summertime as well, making it a perfect opportunity to celebrate at the beach with loved ones. Today is "Mondayised" Waitangi Day. If it falls on a weekend, you will get the following Monday off work as it will be commemorated on that day.

The arrival of Easter chocolate bunny craziness means at least two days off! Easter Monday and Good Friday. Bonus Easter Tuesday is a third day off for those of us in the teaching profession.

Tuesday of Easter

Is today actually a federal holiday? Not really, but if you work in education—which includes universities—or attend school, you will be well-versed in it. The Monday following Easter is off for them. It can be a little perplexing for some people to observe Otago Anniversary on this day rather than the Monday closest to March 23. For individuals who attend Otago University, it also serves as their anniversary day! Easter Tuesday is often used to honor the Southland Anniversary.

Daylight Saving Time

To allow us to enjoy a little bit more sun, Daylight Saving Time begins in the spring on the final Sunday in September. From 2:00 am to 3:30 am, clocks are moved forward; so, keep in mind the time of year and consider "looking forward to summer". On the first Sunday in April, Daylight Saving Time ends in the fall. The time changes from 3 a.m. to 2 a.m., so once more consider the season and mutter to yourself, "We're almost back to winter." "Spring forward and Fall (Autumn) back" is a more customary American way of remembering.

Conclusion

The public holidays in New Zealand should be known to you in advance so that you can make arrangements for the closing of banks as well as some stores, restaurants, cafes, and shops. Companies who operate on certain days could charge an additional 15% for their services. Don't use every one of those dates when visiting New Zealand.

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