Holidays Act Entitlements: Who Qualifies and What You Get

This scheme ensures that employees in New Zealand receive paid time off through annual leave and public holiday entitlements.

👤Who it's for

This scheme is designed for workers across New Zealand. To qualify for these entitlements, you must have been employed for a continuous period of more than six months. This applies to employees regardless of their specific trade or job role, provided they meet that six-month employment threshold.

🎁What you get

The entitlements are divided into two main categories: annual leave and public holiday pay.

First, you are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave. This allows you to take time off from work while still receiving your regular pay. Second, you are entitled to pay for 11 public holidays. These are the specific days throughout the year designated as public holidays by the government.

💰What it costs you

There is no financial cost to you for accessing these benefits. These are statutory entitlements, which means they are guaranteed by law for those who qualify. You do not need to pay a fee or a subscription to receive this leave or holiday pay.

⚠️The catch to know

While the concept is straightforward, the math can be difficult. Calculating "average weekly earnings" for holiday pay is notoriously complex, particularly for people working irregular shifts. If your hours or pay fluctuate from week to week, determining the exact amount of holiday pay you are owed can be a challenge.

📝How to apply

1. Confirm you have completed at least six months of employment with your current employer.
2. Review your employment contract to understand how your annual leave is scheduled.
3. Check your payslips to ensure your holiday pay and annual leave are being calculated correctly.
4. If you believe your pay is incorrect, discuss the calculation with your employer or check the official portal for more guidance: https://www.employment.govt.nz