Shift workers and public holidays

You’ll be paid at least time and a half for the hours you work on a public holiday. You’ll also get a day in lieu (alternative holiday) if it’s a day you usually work.

Information about work during COVID-19

COVID-19 and the workplace — Employment New Zealand

You’re working on a public holiday

For the actual hours you work on the public holiday, you’ll be paid the greater of:

  • time and a half, or
  • your relevant daily pay plus penal rates.

Employees working shifts or on call — Employment New Zealand

If it’s a day you usually work, you’ll also get a paid day off later. This is called a day in lieu or alternative holiday. Even if you only work part of your shift on the public holiday, you'll get a full day in lieu (alternative holiday).

Days in lieu (alternative holidays)

If you’re not sure it’s a day you usually work

You need to talk to your employer and agree if it’s a day you’d usually work. The Employment New Zealand website explains what you and your employer must consider.

Otherwise working day

You are not working on a public holiday

If you do not work on the public holiday and it’s a day you usually work, you’ll be paid for the day. Your pay will be calculated using relevant daily pay or average daily pay.

Relevant daily pay and average daily pay — Employment New Zealand

Your shift falls across 2 days

Generally, public holidays run from midnight to midnight. Your shift may cover both a public holiday and a normal day. Only the hours you work on the public holiday are paid at time and a half. The hours you work on the normal day will be paid at your usual rate.

You can ask your employer to transfer the public holiday so it covers your whole shift. Your employer does not have to agree.

Transferring a public holiday by agreement — Employment New Zealand

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