Public Holiday Pay (NZ)
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate NZ public holiday pay — working a holiday that’s your otherwise working day earns time-and-a-half PLUS a full alternative holiday; not working it earns the day paid.
Quick answer: The NZ package is the Anglosphere’s richest: holiday on your normal workday = paid day off; working it = 1.5x for hours worked + an alternative holiday (full day in lieu) — 12 holidays including Matariki.
The Entitlement Matrix
| Scenario | You get |
|---|---|
| Otherwise working day, don’t work | Relevant daily pay — paid day off |
| Otherwise working day, WORK | 1.5x hours worked + full alternative holiday |
| NOT your working day, work anyway | 1.5x hours — no alt day |
| Not your day, don’t work | Nothing (the test fails) |
The otherwise working day test looks at your pattern — roster, recent weeks, and reasonable expectations; variable rosters argue it constantly, and MBIE’s factors decide.
Worked Examples
Example 1 — Matariki, working 8 hours. $280 relevant daily ($35/hr): 8 × $52.50 = $420 + an alternative day (worth $280 whenever taken) → effective $700 value for the shift.
Example 2 — the alt-day accumulation. Hospo staff working 6 of 12 holidays bank 6 alternative days — a sixth week of leave; unclaimed alt days PAY OUT at exit.
Example 3 — the 2-hour token shift. Working even 2 hours of an otherwise-working holiday earns the FULL alternative day — short holiday shifts are expensive; employers either staff properly or close.
The 12 Holidays and Interactions
The national 11 + Matariki (June/July, dates set by the maramataka) + anniversary days regionally. Mondayisation moves weekend dates; holidays during annual leave don’t burn leave days; and alt days + final pay: unused alternative holidays cash out at termination — audit them, they’re the forgotten line.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I get for working a public holiday in NZ?
Time-and-a-half for hours worked PLUS a full alternative holiday (if it was your otherwise working day) — the alt day accrues even for short shifts.
What is an otherwise working day?
A day you would have worked but for the holiday — from rosters, patterns, and expectations; the gateway test for all holiday entitlements.
What is an alternative holiday?
A full paid day in lieu earned by working your holiday — taken later by agreement, and PAID OUT if unused at termination.
Do holidays during annual leave count?
As public holidays, not leave days — your leave balance doesn’t burn for them.
How many public holidays does NZ have?
Twelve national (including Matariki) plus your region’s anniversary day.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026