Day after New Year's Day in the Cook Islands
The Day after New Year’s Day is a statutory public holiday in the Cook Islands, observed on 2 January. The law also sets out when the New Year holidays shift to weekdays, while employment rules explain who receives paid leave and what applies to workers who work that day.[1][2]
A public holiday set by law
The Public Holidays Act 1999 names the day following New Year’s Day as a Cook Islands public holiday and defines it as 2 January each year. That makes the holiday part of the country’s statutory calendar.[1][2]
The Act provides that, when a public holiday other than Sunday or ANZAC Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday. It has a special rule for the New Year sequence: if New Year’s Day and the following day fall on Saturday and Sunday, respectively, they are observed on the following Monday and Tuesday. The precise weekday arrangement therefore depends on the dates of both holidays.[1]
What the day means for workers
The public holiday creates employment entitlements, rather than a guaranteed day off for every person. A full-time or part-time worker is entitled to paid leave at their ordinary rate when the holiday falls or is observed on a day they would normally work. The Ministry of Internal Affairs says this entitlement applies from the worker’s first day of employment.[2]
If an employer requires a worker to work on the holiday, the Ministry’s guidance describes compensation that includes double ordinary pay, an extra annual-leave day, time off in lieu, or another arrangement no less favourable than the stated minimum. Casual workers do not receive paid leave for a public holiday when they do not work; if they are required to work, they are entitled to double their ordinary rate for each hour worked.[2][3]
Customs and practical plans
The date, substitute-day rules and employment entitlements are established, but no distinctive January 2 ceremony or customary meal is described.[1][2]
Check directly with the office, business or operator you plan to use for opening hours and transport schedules. Workers can check their normal workday and any applicable employment agreement with their employer.[2][3]
Frequently asked questions
Is 2 January a public holiday in the Cook Islands?
Do all workers automatically get the day off with pay?
What happens when the New Year holidays fall on a weekend?
The Act generally moves qualifying holidays that fall on Saturday or Sunday to Monday. If New Year’s Day falls on Saturday and 2 January on Sunday, those holidays are observed on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Day after New Year's Day in Cook Islands:
- Public Holidays 1999/ No. 17- Parliament of the Cook Islands
- Public Holidays- Ministry of Internal Affairs, Cook Islands
- During Employment - Ministry of Internal Affairs- Ministry of Internal Affairs, Cook Islands