Holidays Act 2003: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about your legal rights regarding annual leave, public holidays, and sick leave entitlements under New Zealand employment law.
The Holidays Act 2003 sets out the minimum legal requirements for time off work and leave entitlements for workers.
Who it's for
This applies to all employees, no matter what type of contract you have in place.
What you get
You are entitled to four weeks of annual leave each year. You also receive eleven public holidays and specific entitlements for sick leave.
What it costs you
There is no direct cost to you to access these rights. However, for employers, managing the payroll calculations for leave pay can be a complex task.
The catch to know
A common mistake involves miscalculating how much you should be paid while on leave. It is important to understand the difference between "average daily pay" and "relevant daily pay" to ensure the amounts are correct.
How to apply
- Review your employment contract to see your specific leave arrangements.
- Track your usage of annual leave and sick leave throughout the year.
- Consult official government resources if you have questions about pay calculations.