Labour Day in NZ: Honouring Workers' Struggle with Time-and-a-Half Pay

Labour Day honours the fight for fair working conditions. Enjoy a well-deserved break with time-and-a-half pay.

, and Administrator

2025 October 27 . 3:03 AM

1 min read

This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles,... — This is an inside view of an shopping complex, where there are trees, umbrellas with the poles, passenger lifts, name boards, stalls, lights, light boards,group of people.

Labour Day in NZ: Honouring Workers' Struggle with Time-and-a-Half Pay

Labour Day in New Zealand, celebrated on the fourth Monday of October, commemorates the eight-hour working day. This public holiday traces its roots back to 1890 when the first parade was led by Samuel Parnell.

Labour Day's origins can be traced back to the labour movement's demands for better working conditions. Wellington carpenter Samuel Parnell championed the cause in 1840. Today, it is celebrated on the fourth Monday in October, with large chain stores and supermarkets often opening and holding sales.

Employees working on Labour Day receive time-and-a-half pay and a paid day off if it falls on their regular working day. Businesses can charge a surcharge, typically 15%, while restaurants and cafes may open but may also charge a surcharge. Shops are not required to close, but those that do must compensate employees. Government departments, such as Inland Revenue and Work and Income, close on this day.

Labour Day in New Zealand honours the struggle for fair working conditions. It is a day for employees to enjoy a well-deserved break, with businesses adjusting their operations to accommodate the holiday.