New Zealand observes 11 national public holidays, plus an additional regional anniversary day, which varies depending on where the employee is based.
National Public Holidays in 2025
New Year’s Day – Wednesday, 1 January
Day after New Year’s Day – Thursday, 2 January
Waitangi Day – Thursday, 6 February
Good Friday – Friday, 18 April
Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April
ANZAC Day – Friday, 25 April
King’s Birthday – Monday, 2 June
Matariki – Friday, 20 June
Labour Day – Monday, 27 October
Christmas Day – Thursday, 25 December
Boxing Day – Friday, 26 December
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, certain holidays, such as New Year’s Day, 2 January, Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, and Christmas, may be observed on the next working day.
Regional Anniversary Days
Each region observes its own provincial anniversary day. Employees receive 1 regional holiday per year. Examples for 2025 include:
Wellington Anniversary – Monday, 20 January
Auckland Anniversary – Monday, 27 January
Nelson Anniversary – Monday, 3 February
Taranaki Anniversary – Monday, 10 March
Otago Anniversary – Monday, 24 March
Southland Anniversary – Tuesday, 22 April
Hawke’s Bay Anniversary – Friday, 24 October
Marlborough Anniversary – Monday, 3 November
Canterbury Anniversary – Friday, 14 November
Chatham Islands & Westland Anniversary – Monday, 1 December
What Happens If Holidays Fall on Weekends?
Some holidays are "Mondayised", shifted to the next weekday if they fall on a weekend, ensuring employees still benefit from the holiday
Employee Entitlements on Public Holidays
Paid day off if the employee would normally have worked that day.
If the employee works, they must be paid time and a half and be granted an alternative holiday (day in lieu).