Good Friday in New Zealand
Good Friday is a nationwide public holiday in New Zealand and a solemn day in the Christian calendar. It recalls the passion and death of Jesus and also brings specific employment rights and shop-trading restrictions under New Zealand law.[1][4]
A public holiday with a changing date
The Holidays Act 2003 lists Good Friday as a public holiday. Its date varies with Easter, and it always falls on a Friday.[1][5]
The day off applies according to each employee’s work pattern: employees are entitled to a paid day off when Good Friday falls on a day they would otherwise work. Employees who work that day must receive at least time-and-a-half for the hours worked. If it is otherwise a working day for them, they are also generally entitled to an alternative holiday.[2]
Christian meaning and observance
In the Christian calendar, Good Friday recalls Jesus’ passion and death, from the events at Gethsemane through his crucifixion. The New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference describes it as part of the Easter Triduum, the three days that recall the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.[4]
Church observance varies. In the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, Good Friday is designated a principal holy day. The Catholic Bishops Conference describes it as a day of prayer and fasting within the Easter observances.[4][5]
Shop trading and planning
Good Friday is one of New Zealand’s restricted trading days. Almost all shops must close, though some may open under specific conditions or an existing area exemption. Permitted categories include certain shops selling essential goods in limited quantities, petrol stations, and businesses serving prepared food for immediate consumption.[3]
These rules apply to Good Friday across the country; an Easter Sunday local trading policy does not allow shops to open on Good Friday. Check with individual businesses before travelling, since exemptions and opening arrangements can differ.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Good Friday a public holiday in New Zealand?
What does Good Friday commemorate?
It commemorates Jesus’ passion and death and is part of the Easter Triduum.[4]
Do shops open on Good Friday?
Almost all shops must close. Some can open under limited conditions or an existing area exemption; check with a particular shop before visiting.[3]
What if I have to work on Good Friday?
If you work on the public holiday, you must receive at least time-and-a-half for the hours worked. If Good Friday is a day you would otherwise work, you are also generally entitled to an alternative holiday.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Good Friday in New Zealand:
- Public holidays and anniversary dates- Employment New Zealand
- Public holidays rights for employees- Employment New Zealand
- Restricted trading days for shops- Employment New Zealand
- The Liturgical Year | Te Whakaritenga ā Tau- New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference
- The Lectionary / Te Maramataka, Year A – 2023- The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia