When a public holiday falls on a day you usually work

You're entitled to a paid day off. You don't have to take annual leave and it doesn't matter how long you've been with the company or how many hours you work.

If you choose to work on a public holiday

If you choose to work on a public holiday and it's a day you'd usually work, you'll:

• be paid at least time and a half for hours worked (that means 1.5 times your normal rate), and
• get a paid day off to take later — called a day in lieu — even if you've only worked part of a shift.

Days in lieu (alternative holidays)

If it's not a day you'd usually work, you'll just be paid time and a half.

When you can be made to work

Your employer can only make you work on a public holiday if:

• your employment contract says you have to work on that public holiday, and
• it falls on a day you usually work.

If you only work on public holidays, you'll be paid at least time and a half but you don't get a day in lieu.

Contracting and working for yourself

If you're self-employed or contracting, you're not entitled to paid days off on public holidays. If you choose to work, you'll only be paid your usual rate for the day — and you won't get a paid day off later.

Public holidays in NZ

Public holidays and anniversary dates