Public Holiday Penal Rates: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn if you are entitled to extra pay or a day off when working on a public holiday in New Zealand.
This scheme ensures that employees receive extra compensation or time off when they are required to work on a public holiday.
Who it's for
This applies to employees who are scheduled to work on a public holiday.
What you get
If you work on a public holiday, you are entitled to time and a half pay. Additionally, if the holiday falls on a day you would normally work, you are also entitled to an alternative day off, often called a lieu day.
What it costs you
There is no financial cost to you, but you must be rostered to work on that specific day to qualify for these benefits.
The catch to know
The alternative day off only applies if the public holiday falls on a day you would normally work. If you do not usually work on that specific day of the week, you will receive the extra pay, but you will not get a compensatory day off.
How to apply
- Check your work roster to confirm you are scheduled to work on the public holiday.
- Review your payslip to ensure your rate is set to time and a half.
- Confirm with your employer if you are owed an alternative day off based on your usual working pattern.
- Contact your employer or a relevant authority if you believe you have been underpaid.