Mondayisation is New Zealand’s system for moving public holidays that fall on a weekend to the following Monday. When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the observed holiday shifts to Monday — but only if the day would not otherwise be a working day for the employee.
This system prevents employees from losing a public holiday when it falls on their weekend, but it creates complexity for employers — particularly those with employees who work different days of the week. This guide explains how Mondayisation works, which holidays are affected, and how to manage it.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Mondayisation moves weekend public holidays to the following Monday
- It only applies to public holidays that fall on a Saturday or Sunday
- The Monday must not already be a public holiday
- Not all public holidays are Mondayisable — Anzac Day and Waitangi Day have specific rules
- The employee’s working pattern determines whether Mondayisation applies
How Mondayisation Works
The Holidays Act 2003 governs Mondayisation in New Zealand:
The Rule
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday and Saturday is not a normal working day for the employee, the public holiday is observed on the following Monday.
When a public holiday falls on a Sunday and Sunday is not a normal working day for the employee, the public holiday is observed on the following Monday.
When Mondayisation Does NOT Apply
Mondayisation does not apply if:
- Saturday or Sunday is a normal working day for the employee — they keep the holiday on the actual day
- The following Monday is already a public holiday — in that case, the Tuesday may be substituted
- The holiday is not Mondayisable under the Act
Which Holidays Are Mondayisable?
Under the Holidays Act 2003, the following public holidays are subject to Mondayisation:
| Holiday | Mondayisable? |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Yes |
| Day after New Year’s Day | Yes |
| Waitangi Day | Yes (but see below) |
| ANZAC Day | Yes (but see below) |
| Good Friday | No |
| Easter Monday | No |
| Queen’s Birthday | Yes |
| Labour Day | Yes |
| Christmas Day | Yes |
| Boxing Day | Yes |
Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day — Special Rules
Waitangi Day (6 February) and ANZAC Day (25 April) are Mondayisable, but with a restriction:
- They are not Mondayised if 6 February or 25 April falls on a Saturday or Sunday AND the following Monday is already a public holiday
- In practice, this means these two holidays can only be moved to Monday, not to another day
Good Friday and Easter Monday
Good Friday and Easter Monday are not Mondayisable. They are always observed on the actual day regardless of the day of the week.
Applying Mondayisation to Different Work Patterns
Monday-to-Friday Worker
- If a public holiday falls on Saturday → Monday is the observed holiday
- If a public holiday falls on Sunday → Monday is the observed holiday
- The employee gets the Monday off with pay
Weekend Worker (Saturday Worker)
- If a public holiday falls on Saturday → Saturday IS a working day, so Mondayisation does NOT apply
- The employee keeps the holiday on Saturday
- If a public holiday falls on Sunday → Sunday is not a working day, so Monday is the observed holiday
Shift Worker (Variable Days)
- Apply Mondayisation based on whether the actual public holiday falls on a normal working day
- If it does, the employee keeps the holiday on that day
- If it does not, Mondayisation applies to the following Monday
2026 Mondayisation Scenarios
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Day | Mondayised? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waitangi Day | 6 February | Friday | No (already a weekday) |
| ANZAC Day | 25 April | Saturday | Yes → Monday 27 April |
| Queen’s Birthday | 1 June | Monday | No (already a Monday) |
| Labour Day | 26 October | Monday | No (already a Monday) |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday | No (already a weekday) |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday | Yes → Monday 28 December |
Note: ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday in 2026. For employees who don’t work Saturdays, the observed holiday moves to Monday 27 April.
Employer Obligations
Apply to Each Employee Individually
Mondayisation is applied per employee based on their working pattern. Two employees at the same company may have different Mondayised holidays if they work different days.
Record-Keeping
Track which holidays are Mondayised for each employee. Your payroll system should account for this automatically, but verify it.
Communication
Publish the Mondayised calendar at the start of the year. Clearly indicate which holidays have been moved and to which day.
Common Mistakes
Applying Mondayisation to Good Friday
Good Friday is not Mondayisable. It is always observed on the actual Friday regardless of the employee’s working pattern.
Not Applying Mondayisation for Part-Time Workers
Part-time workers who don’t work on the actual public holiday are entitled to Mondayisation. Do not skip it because they are part-time.
Assuming Mondayisation Applies to Everyone
Mondayisation only applies if the actual public holiday is not a normal working day. For employees who work weekends, the holiday stays on the actual day.
Ignoring the Already-a-Monday Rule
If the following Monday is already a public holiday, Mondayisation shifts to Tuesday (or the next available working day). Do not double-count the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mondayisation?
Mondayisation is the New Zealand system of moving public holidays that fall on a weekend to the following Monday, ensuring employees don’t lose a holiday when it lands on their non-working day.
Is Good Friday Mondayisable?
No. Good Friday is always observed on the actual day. It is one of the few public holidays in NZ that cannot be moved.
Does Mondayisation apply to casual workers?
Yes. Casual workers are entitled to Mondayisation based on their actual working pattern. If a public holiday falls on a day they would not normally work, the holiday moves to Monday.
What if the Monday is already a public holiday?
If the following Monday is already a public holiday, the Mondayised holiday moves to the next working day (typically Tuesday).
Do employees get paid for Mondayised holidays?
Yes. Mondayised holidays are paid public holidays. The employee receives their relevant daily pay for the day.