New Zealand has 11 national public holidays, but each region also observes its own anniversary day — and these dates vary by region. An employee in Auckland gets Auckland Anniversary Day. A colleague in Canterbury gets Canterbury Anniversary Day. Neither appears on the national calendar. For employers with teams spread across New Zealand, these regional variations create scheduling and payroll challenges.
This guide maps New Zealand’s national and regional holiday landscape for 2026 so you can manage your Kiwi workforce accurately.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Consult an employment lawyer for guidance specific to your organization.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand has 11 national public holidays
- Each region observes its own anniversary day on different dates
- Regional anniversary days are treated as public holidays for payroll purposes
- The Holidays Act 2003 governs holiday entitlements
- Remote workers are entitled to the holidays of their region
National Public Holidays (All Regions)
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Thursday |
| Day after New Year’s Day | 2 January | Friday |
| Waitangi Day | 6 February | Friday |
| Good Friday | 3 April | Friday |
| Easter Saturday | 4 April | Saturday |
| Easter Monday | 6 April | Monday |
| ANZAC Day | 25 April | Saturday |
| Queen’s Birthday | 1 June | Monday |
| Matariki | 10 July | Friday |
| Labour Day | 26 October | Monday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Friday |
| Boxing Day | 26 December | Saturday |
Regional Anniversary Days
Regional anniversary days commemorate the founding of the region. They’re treated as public holidays under the Holidays Act 2003.
| Region | Anniversary Day | 2026 Date |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Monday nearest to 29 January | 26 January |
| Taranaki | Second Monday in March | 9 March |
| Hawke’s Bay | Labour Day (observed on the day) | 26 October |
| Wellington | Monday nearest to 22 January | 19 January |
| Marlborough | First Monday in November | 2 November |
| Nelson | First Monday in February | 2 February |
| Canterbury | Second Friday in November | 13 November |
| Westland | Christmas Day (observed on the day) | 25 December |
| Otago | Second Monday in March | 9 March |
| Southland | Easter Tuesday (day after Easter Monday) | 7 April |
Notes on Regional Variation
- Auckland: The anniversary day falls on the Monday closest to 29 January. In 2026, this is 26 January — which coincides with Australia Day.
- Canterbury: Observed on the second Friday in November, which is distinct from most other regions.
- Westland: Observed on Christmas Day itself, meaning Westland employees effectively get two Christmas public holidays.
- Southland: Observed on Easter Tuesday, the day after Easter Monday, giving Southland employees an extra Easter holiday.
How Regional Holidays Interact with National Holidays
Some regional holidays coincide with national holidays. When this happens:
- The employee is entitled to the national holiday
- The regional holiday may be observed on a different day
- Check with your employer for the specific arrangement
For example, Auckland Anniversary Day (26 January) coincides with Australia Day. Auckland employees get both as public holidays, but they may be observed on different days if the employer chooses to substitute.
The Holidays Act 2003
New Zealand’s Holidays Act 2003 governs holiday entitlements. Key provisions:
Public Holidays on Working Days
If a public holiday falls on a day the employee would normally work, they’re entitled to:
- A paid day off at their relevant daily pay, OR
- If required to work, relevant daily pay plus a day in lieu
Public Holidays on Non-Working Days
If a public holiday falls on a day the employee doesn’t normally work, they’re not entitled to a day off or payment — unless their employment agreement provides otherwise.
Relevant Daily Pay
The employee’s relevant daily pay is calculated based on what they would have earned on the day, including regular allowances and commissions.
What This Means for Employers
Build Per-Region Calendars
A national calendar doesn’t cover your obligations. Map each employee to their region’s anniversary day.
Handle Coinciding Holidays
When regional and national holidays coincide, ensure employees receive their full entitlement. Check the Holidays Act for specific rules.
Document Your Policy
Specify in employment agreements which holidays apply and how substitution works when holidays fall on non-working days.
Track for Payroll
Regional anniversary days are treated as public holidays. If an employee works on a regional holiday, they’re entitled to relevant daily pay plus a day in lieu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holidays do New Zealand employees get?
Most employees get 11 national public holidays plus their regional anniversary day — 12 days total. Some regions get additional days (like Southland’s Easter Tuesday).
Are regional anniversary days mandatory?
Yes. Under the Holidays Act 2003, regional anniversary days are treated as public holidays. Employers must observe them for employees in that region.
What happens when a regional holiday falls on a weekend?
If a public holiday falls on a day the employee doesn’t normally work, they’re not entitled to a day off — unless their employment agreement provides otherwise.
Do remote workers get regional holidays?
Yes. The region where the employee physically works determines their holiday entitlements. An employee working from Auckland gets Auckland Anniversary Day.
How is relevant daily pay calculated?
Relevant daily pay includes base salary, regular allowances, and commissions. It excludes discretionary payments and one-off bonuses. The Holidays Act provides detailed calculation rules.