Annual Leave and Holiday Pay: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn your rights regarding paid time off and how holiday pay is calculated for employees in New Zealand.
This scheme ensures that workers are entitled to paid time off from work every year so they can rest and recharge without losing their income.
Who it's for
This entitlement is available to a wide range of workers. It applies to both full-time employees and part-time employees. As long as you are an employee, you are covered by these rules regarding your annual leave and holiday pay.
What you get
Under this scheme, you are entitled to receive four weeks of paid leave for every year of service. This means you can take time away from your job while still receiving your regular pay.
What it costs you
There is no cost to you to access these entitlements. You do not have to pay a fee to receive your paid leave or your holiday pay; these are standard rights included in your employment.
The catch to know
A common issue involves how public holiday pay is handled. It is frequently calculated incorrectly by employers. If you are required to work on a public holiday, you are entitled to receive time and a half for the hours worked, as well as a day in lieu. A day in lieu is an extra day of paid time off that you can use at a later date to make up for the holiday you worked.
How to apply
Because this is a legal entitlement for employees, you do not "apply" through a government portal. Instead, follow these steps to ensure you are receiving what you are owed:
- Review your employment agreement to understand how your leave is being tracked.
- Carefully check your payslips to see if your holiday pay and any time and a half payments are being calculated correctly.
- If you notice a discrepancy in your leave balance or your pay, speak directly with your employer to resolve the issue.