Well, the Christmas lights have dimmed, and the summer sun is slowly setting on those wonderful beach days. Back to the grind, right? As we shake off the holiday mode and head back to our desks, there's this universal itch to do one thing – plan the next escape.
Thankfully we don't have to wait too long!
In this blog, we outline the stories behind New Zealand's public holidays and share some tips on how savvy Kiwis strategically use these days and a bit of leave to score extra weeks of holiday time every year and ultimately achieve the work-life balance that attracts so many expats and returning Kiwis to NZ.
What public holidays can I look forward to?
Waitangi Day, 6 February
Waitangi Day commemorates the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document: Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) on 6 February 1840. It is recognised as New Zealand’s national day, when the Partnership between Maori and the Crown was formalised.
This year Waitangi Day falls on a Tuesday so, if you also take annual leave on Monday 5 February you get to enjoy an extra long weekend.
Good Friday and Easter Monday, March-April
In Christianity, Good Friday and Easter Monday are special days because they remember when Jesus was crucified and then came back to life.
Together they form a four-day weekend, which many Kiwis use for a quick trip or to visit family in different parts of the country.
The dates change every year, and it can get a bit technical because they're connected to the March equinox. But to keep it simple, Easter weekend is the weekend after the first full moon once autumn starts (spring in the Northern Hemisphere).
So, this year, Good Friday is on March 29, and Easter Monday is on April 1. Time to plan something fun! 🐣🌷
ANZAC Day, 25 April
ANZAC Day is a day we remember with solemn morning services. These services honor the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand, known as ANZACs, who landed at dawn in 1915 during World War I on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey. This battle, called the Gallipoli Campaign, resulted in siginficant casualties.
Even though ANZAC Day started to remember this specific battle, it has grown into a day where we take pride in our nation and show respect for all New Zealanders who served in wars outside our country. It's a day to honor and remember their bravery and sacrifice. 🌅🌺
ANZAC Day falls on a Thursday this year, meaning if you take the Friday off work you will enjoy a 4 day weekend.
Kings’s Birthday, 1st Monday of June
As part of the British Commonwealth, we celebrate the reigning monarch's birthday every year. This year we will observe the birthday of King Charles III on Monday 3 June, though interestingly his actual birthday on November 14.
Matariki, mid-winter from late May to early July
Matariki marks the start of the Māori New Year. Signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky, this is a time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead.
As we follow the Maori lunar year to celebrate, the date changes on the regular calendar.
This year, the special public holiday to celebrate Matariki will be on Friday, June 28. If you want to know more about Matariki, just click here. 🌌🎉
Labour Day, 4th Monday of October
In New Zealand, Labour Day was first marked in 1890 with parades of workers in the main city centres celebrating their right to an 8-hour working day.
Nowadays Kiwis enjoy it as the first public holiday as we come out of winter and It’s also the traditional time to start planting your vege garden!
This year Labour Day will be acknowledged on Monday 28 October.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day, 25-26 December
Christmas is a long-standing tradition in New Zealand, dating back to the arrival of European settlers who brought Christianity to the country. Typically, families and friends come together on Christmas Day, either at the beach, sharing food and presents.
The term "Boxing Day" originates from an English tradition where employers would give bonuses, like money, food, or clothes, in a box. Nowadays, December 26 is renowned for shops offering fantastic deals during sales.
New Year’s Day and the day after, January 1-2
January 1 marks the first day of the Gregorian calendar, precisely one week after the previous year's Christmas Day. Both January 1 and 2 are public holidays.
Given that New Zealand is among the first countries to witness the sunrise and embark on a new day, there's a unique sense of excitement in being among the first to welcome a new year!
Regional Anniversary Holidays (varies by region)
Each provincial district has its own individual anniversary day celebrating the first settlers and colonists. The individual dates vary and are spread throughout the year and some coincide with other public holidays, creating long weekends without needing to take annual leave! Click here for the specific date for your region.
How to get extra holiday time
Tip 1- Monday-ised holidays…
If a holiday lands on the weekend, the next Monday becomes our day off. So, if you decide to take Tuesday to Friday off, you get a cool 9 days away from work. That's more than enough time to hop over to Australia or the Pacific Islands, or plan a decent road trip around Aotearoa. 🗺️🌴
Tip 2 - Link up public holidays
The 2024 Christmas + New Year break has potential to give you over 2 weeks of holiday, depending on the annual leave you still have available to take.
This year Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday with the Boxing Day public holiday following on Thursday, 26 December. The New Year’s Day public holiday falls on Wednesday, 1 January 2025 with the Day after New Year’s Day on Thursday, 2 January 2025.
So, book six days of annual leave (23, 24, 27, 30, 31 December and then 3 January) and will enjoy a total of 16 days off. That is a wonderful, long Summer break!
Happy planning!
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Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand.
Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
Bridget Romanes is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience, she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.
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