King’s Birthday in New Zealand
King’s Birthday is a nationwide public holiday observed in New Zealand on the first Monday in June. The June holiday continued under its new name after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and it is also the occasion associated with the King’s Birthday Honours List.[1][2][5]
A holiday with a changing royal name
The holiday is tied to the sovereign’s official birthday observance, rather than necessarily to the monarch’s date of birth. New Zealand’s earlier observances included Empire Day on 24 May, Queen Victoria’s birthday. As the date of the sovereign’s birthday observance changed with successive monarchs, in 1919 officials announced that Empire Day would be observed on the King’s birthday, following a practice already used by schools.[4]
After Queen Elizabeth II died in 2022, the Governor-General’s Office confirmed that the June holiday’s timing would remain the same and that it would be known as King’s Birthday Weekend. It is therefore part of a longstanding New Zealand June observance whose royal name changes with the sovereign.[5]
Date and public holiday rights
King’s Birthday falls on the first Monday in June. It is already set to a Monday, so it does not shift to another day under the weekend rules used for some public holidays. Employment New Zealand lists it as a public holiday and says employees are entitled to a paid day off when it falls on a day they would otherwise work.[1][2]
An employee who works on the holiday must receive at least time-and-a-half pay. If the holiday was an otherwise working day for them, they are also entitled to an alternative paid holiday. Whether a day is an otherwise working day depends on the employee’s usual work pattern.[2]
The King’s Birthday Honours
The holiday’s name is also associated with the King’s Birthday Honours Lists, which recognise people through New Zealand’s honours system. The Governor-General, acting on behalf of the King, holds investiture ceremonies for people named in the King’s Birthday and New Year Honours Lists.[3]
Honours are generally made on the Prime Minister’s advice, except for those in the King’s personal gift. The Governor-General’s Office describes the ceremonies as a way to celebrate achievements across areas such as sport, science, business, education, law, and public and community service.[3]
Shops and everyday plans
King’s Birthday is not one of New Zealand’s restricted shop-trading days. Shops and hospitality venues may open, while employers must follow the public-holiday pay and leave rules for employees who work.[2] Opening hours can still vary by business, so check directly with a shop, restaurant, or service before travelling.
The public-holiday entitlement applies to employees, not automatically to every person or workplace. Check local arrangements for offices, banks, schools, public transport, and individual businesses when planning a trip.[1][2]
King’s Birthday in New Zealand: FAQs
When is King’s Birthday observed?
It is observed on the first Monday in June each year.[1]
Do employees get the day off?
Are shops and cafes open?
They may open because King’s Birthday is not a restricted shop-trading day. Check individual businesses for their hours.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for King's Birthday in New Zealand:
- Public holidays and anniversary dates- Employment New Zealand
- Your employment guide to King's birthday- Employment New Zealand
- New Zealand Royal Honours- The Governor-General of New Zealand
- Empire Day- Manatū Taonga — Ministry for Culture and Heritage
- What does the death of the Queen mean for New Zealand?- The Governor-General of New Zealand