ANZAC Day in New Zealand
ANZAC Day is observed in New Zealand on 25 April to remember people killed in war and acknowledge the contribution and suffering of those who served. It is a public holiday marked by dawn services, memorial ceremonies and parades in communities across the country.[1][2]
Gallipoli and New Zealand’s remembrance
The date marks the 1915 landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers on the Gallipoli Peninsula during the First World War. The campaign did not achieve its military aim, but Gallipoli came to hold a distinct place in New Zealand’s national story. Anzac Day was first observed in 1916 and became a full public holiday in 1921.[1][2]
The day’s meaning has grown beyond Gallipoli. It now commemorates New Zealanders who died in warfare and recognises the service and losses of people in later conflicts and peacekeeping operations, as well as the experiences of those who supported or opposed wars at home.[1]
A public holiday and employee entitlements
ANZAC Day is fixed on 25 April. Under New Zealand’s public holiday rules, an employee is entitled to a paid day off when the holiday falls on a day they would otherwise work. If the employee works on the holiday, they must generally receive at least time-and-a-half; if it is an otherwise working day for them, they also receive an alternative paid day off.[4][5]
When 25 April falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the holiday is Mondayised for employees who would not normally work on that weekend day. Employees who would normally work that Saturday or Sunday observe the holiday on the calendar date instead. Mondayisation gives an eligible employee one public holiday, not two.[4][5]
Services, parades and remembrance
Commemorations commonly begin with a Dawn Service at a local war memorial. Returned service personnel, members of the armed forces and the public gather for a short ceremony that may include the Ode of Remembrance, the Last Post, a minute’s silence and Reveille. Later in the morning, a parade and citizens’ service often bring veterans and community groups together to lay wreaths and hear speeches.[1]
Dawn services are widely associated with Gallipoli, but the first New Zealand troops landed after 9 a.m.; most landed later in the day, and some on 26 April. New Zealand adopted dawn ceremonies widely from 1939. The poppy is commonly worn in New Zealand around Anzac Day, and families may wear the medals of deceased relatives on the right side of the chest at national memorial days.[3][1]
Shop trading and planning your day
Almost all shops must close until 1 p.m. on 25 April under restricted trading rules. Some shops can open under specified conditions, and some places have area exemptions. The restriction applies on the calendar date even when an employee’s public holiday is Mondayised, so shops do not have to close twice.[6]
The shop restriction does not establish opening hours for every other service. For a particular office, bank, venue or transport service, check its own holiday information before travelling or making plans.[6]
ANZAC Day in New Zealand: FAQs
When is ANZAC Day?
Do employees get the day off?
An employee is entitled to a paid day off if the holiday falls on a day they would otherwise work. If they work that day, they are generally entitled to at least time-and-a-half and, when it is an otherwise working day, an alternative paid day off.[5]
Are shops open on ANZAC Day?
Almost all shops must close until 1 p.m. on 25 April. Some may open under legal conditions or an area exemption, and Mondayisation does not shift the shop trading restriction to Monday.[6]
Sources and references
Sources used for ANZAC Day in New Zealand:
- Anzac Day- Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture & Heritage
- Anzac Day- Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage
- Anzac Day activities- Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage
- Public holidays and anniversary dates- Employment New Zealand
- Public holidays rights for employees- Employment New Zealand
- Restricted trading days for shops- Employment New Zealand