Boxing Day in New Zealand
Boxing Day is a nationwide public holiday in New Zealand, fixed on 26 December. For employees, the day off and any weekend transfer depend on their usual work pattern; shop trading restrictions do not transfer with it.[1][3]
A public holiday with a long history
Boxing Day is one of New Zealand’s public holidays under the Holidays Act 2003. The Act lists public holidays, while the date of Boxing Day remains 26 December.[1]
The holiday’s place in New Zealand’s calendar developed over time. The Bank Holidays Act 1873 required banks to close on Boxing Day. Later laws and industrial agreements extended holiday entitlements to more workers, and the Public Holidays Act 1910 confirmed these entitlements. The Holidays Act 2003 now sets the framework for public holiday entitlements.[2]
Who gets the day off
Employees are entitled to a paid day off when a public holiday falls on a day they would otherwise work. This depends on each employee’s work pattern, so Boxing Day does not automatically mean a day off for everyone.[1]
An employer can require an employee to work on a public holiday only if the employment agreement says so and the holiday falls on a day the employee would otherwise work. Employees who work on Boxing Day must receive at least time-and-a-half for the hours worked. If it is a day they would otherwise work, they are also entitled to a paid alternative holiday, subject to the rules for employees hired only to work on public holidays.[4]
When Boxing Day falls on a weekend
The calendar date stays fixed at 26 December. If Boxing Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, an employee who would normally work that weekend observes the holiday on the calendar date. If they would not normally work that day, it moves to the following Monday or, in some cases, Tuesday.[1]
This transfer is determined employee by employee. The Monday or Tuesday is not automatically a public holiday for everyone; it is the observed day for employees whose usual work pattern means the holiday transfers. The calendar date and the observed day can therefore differ.[1]
Shop opening and holiday plans
Boxing Day is not one of New Zealand’s restricted shop trading days. The restrictions that require almost all shops to close apply on Christmas Day, Good Friday, until 1 pm on Anzac Day, and Easter Sunday. Shops are not required to close on Boxing Day under those restrictions.[3]
If Boxing Day transfers to Monday or Tuesday for some employees, that does not move any shop trading restriction. The restriction rules remain attached to their specified calendar dates. Check local opening hours before travelling, as the national rules establish whether trading is restricted but do not confirm an individual business’s schedule.[3]
Boxing Day in New Zealand: common questions
Is Boxing Day a public holiday throughout New Zealand?
Yes. Boxing Day is listed among New Zealand’s public holidays and falls on 26 December each year.[1]
Does everyone get a day off?
What happens when 26 December falls on a weekend?
For employees who would not normally work that weekend day, the holiday moves to the following Monday or, in some cases, Tuesday. Employees who normally work that weekend observe it on the calendar date.[1]
Are shops required to close on Boxing Day?
No. Boxing Day is not listed as a restricted shop trading day. Individual businesses may set their own opening hours, so check ahead if you plan to visit.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in New Zealand:
- Public holidays and anniversary dates- Employment New Zealand
- Public holidays legislation- Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand
- Restricted trading days for shops- Employment New Zealand
- Public holidays rights for employees- Employment New Zealand