If I work on a public holiday, do I get a day off in lieu?
Yes, if the day would otherwise be a working day for you. You get one paid alternative holiday, even if you worked only a few hours. You do not get one if you are employed only to work on public holidays. Alternative holidays do not expire. If you leave your job without taking them, they must be paid out in your final pay.
Official figures
- Annual holidays
- At least 4 weeks of paid annual leave for every 12 months of continuous work1
- How annual leave is taken
- Your employer must let you take at least 2 weeks in one block, and must let you take your leave within 12 months of getting it. If you and your employer cannot agree, your employer can require you to take annual leave, but must give you at least 14 days' notice1
- Cashing up annual leave
- If your employer agrees, you can exchange up to 1 week of annual leave for cash each year1
- Pay-as-you-go holiday pay
- Only for fixed-term agreements of less than 12 months, or for people whose work is so irregular that it is not practical to give them annual leave. You and your employer can agree that at least 8% of your total earnings is paid with your regular pay1
- Sick leave
- 10 days of paid sick leave each year. Unused days can be carried over, up to a maximum of 20 days2
Official sources
- Taking annual holidaysEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- Taking sick leaveEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- Public holidays rights for employeesEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- Public holidays and anniversary datesEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Annual leave, sick leave and public holidays →
People also ask
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- How much am I paid for working on a public holiday? Is it double pay?
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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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