Matariki: Aotearoa’s Mid-Winter Public Holiday

At-a-Glance

  • First Observed: 24 June 2022
  • Legislation: Te Kāhui o Matariki Public Holiday Act 2022
  • Date Range: Falls between late June and mid-July (set until 2052)
  • Key Point: A unique Māori New Year celebration, now an official public holiday

What Is Matariki?

Matariki is the Māori New Year, celebrated when the Matariki star cluster reappears in the winter sky. It became an official public holiday in 2022, guaranteeing employees a paid day off (or an alternative holiday if they must work). Unlike other public holidays, Matariki doesn’t have a fixed date. Instead, the Act legislates specific dates through 2052, with a process to set future dates by Order in Council.

Why It Matters

Matariki is always observed on a Friday, giving many New Zealanders a long weekend in winter. This extra rest day can boost morale, let families spend time together, and encourage local celebrations of Māori culture.

Calculator Tip

The Working Days Calculator automatically excludes Matariki when you select a date range that includes it—no manual calculations needed!

Regional Anniversary Days in New Zealand

At-a-Glance

  • Purpose: Celebrates key historical events in each region
  • Legislative Basis: Holidays Act 2003, Section 44
  • Dates Vary: Each region has its own holiday date and rules

What Are Regional Anniversary Days?

These are local public holidays that mark important milestones—such as the arrival of early settlers or the founding of a province. If you live or work in that region, you usually get the day off if it’s a normal working day.

Examples

Here are just a few prominent examples. Check the full table for specific dates:

  • Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau): Closest Monday to 29 January
  • Canterbury (Waitaha): Second Friday after the first Tuesday in November
  • Wellington (Te Whanganui-a-Tara): Closest Monday to 22 January

Legislative Framework

Under the Holidays Act 2003, these dates are part of the 11 annual public holidays for employees. If the anniversary falls on a weekend and an employee doesn’t usually work weekends, the “observed day” may shift to a weekday.

Calculator Tip

In the Working Days Calculator, you can select your region (or multiple regions) from a dropdown. The corresponding anniversary date (or dates) will be automatically excluded from the working-day count, ensuring accuracy for multi-region projects or deadlines.

Mondayisation of New Zealand Public Holidays

At-a-Glance

  • Applies To: Waitangi Day, ANZAC Day, Christmas/New Year Holidays
  • Why: Ensures employees who don’t work weekends still get a holiday off
  • Effect: Holiday moves to Monday (or Tuesday) if the actual date is on a Saturday or Sunday

What Is Mondayisation?

“Mondayisation” means that if a public holiday (like Waitangi Day or ANZAC Day) falls on a Saturday or Sunday—and an employee doesn’t normally work weekends—they get the following Monday off instead. Weekend workers still observe the holiday on the actual date.

Key Examples

  • Waitangi Day (6 Feb): If 6 Feb is a Sunday, non-weekend workers observe it on Monday, 7 Feb.
  • ANZAC Day (25 Apr): If 25 Apr is a Saturday, non-weekend workers get Monday, 27 Apr off.

Why It Matters

  • Fairness: Everyone gets the same number of public holidays
  • Clear Planning: Businesses can easily schedule staff coverage

Calculator Tip

The Working Days Calculator automatically applies Mondayisation to these holidays. Enter your date range, and the tool excludes the correct Monday, so you don’t have to manually figure out shifted holidays.

Summer Shutdown Period in New Zealand

At-a-Glance

  • Common Dates: Late December to early/mid-January
  • ADLS Shutdown: 24 Dec – 5 Jan
  • Legislative Shutdown: 25 Dec – 2 Jan
  • Courts Rules: 25 Dec – 15 Jan

What Is the Summer Shutdown?

Many businesses and institutions in New Zealand close (or run minimal staff) over Christmas and New Year. This can be an industry tradition (like construction) or legally recognized (like courts). During this period, deadlines might be paused, and statutory holidays are observed.

The Three Main Types

  • ADLS (24 Dec – 5 Jan): Used in certain legal transactions (like property settlements).
  • Legislative (25 Dec – 2 Jan): Covers the primary public holidays and is the default shutdown period for legislative timeframes.
  • Courts Rules (25 Dec – 15 Jan): The most extensive break—important for court filings and legal deadlines.

Calculator Tip

In the Working Days Calculator, simply choose which shutdown period (if any) applies to your situation. The calculator will exclude those dates automatically from your working-day totals—ideal for setting realistic deadlines and planning workloads.

Christmas and New Year Holidays in New Zealand

At-a-Glance

  • Christmas Day: 25 Dec (Mondayised if on a weekend)
  • Boxing Day: 26 Dec (Tuesdayised if Christmas is Mondayised)
  • New Year’s Day: 1 Jan (Mondayised if on a weekend)
  • Day After New Year’s: 2 Jan (Tuesdayised if 1 Jan is Mondayised)

What Are the Christmas and New Year Holidays?

New Zealanders enjoy a block of four public holidays spanning late December and early January. These days provide a summer break for many people to spend time with family, go on holiday, or simply relax in the sunshine.

Mondayisation Details

When any of these dates fall on a Saturday or Sunday, they shift to Monday (and sometimes Tuesday). This ensures that all workers—weekday or weekend—get an official day off.

Calculator Tip

The Working Days Calculator handles these moves behind the scenes. Just input your date range, and the correct Mondayised (or Tuesdayised) holiday dates are excluded automatically.