Wondering how much you’ll get paid for working on a public holiday in New Zealand? Our free Holiday Pay Calculator makes it easy. Simply enter your hourly pay and hours worked to see your time-and-a-half pay and check if you’re also entitled to an alternative holiday. Based on the Holidays Act 2003, this tool is updated for 2025 and beyond.
Public Holiday Pay (Time & a Half)
Guide only (NZ law): If you work on a public holiday that is an otherwise working day for you, you must be paid at least time-and-a-half. You may also receive an alternative holiday. Check Employment NZ or your employment agreement.
How to Use the Holiday Pay Calculator
- Enter your hourly pay rate (before tax).
- Enter the number of hours you worked on the public holiday.
- Tick the box if it was your normal work day.
- Click Calculate → You’ll see your total pay and whether you qualify for an extra day off.
How Holiday Pay Works in NZ
Under the Holidays Act 2003, if you work on a public holiday that is a normal working day for you:
- You must be paid at least time-and-a-half for the hours worked.
- You will usually also receive an alternative holiday (a paid day off to use later).
- If it’s not your normal working day, you still get time-and-a-half, but no alternative holiday.
Worked Examples
Example 1 – Hospitality Worker
Hourly rate: $25
Worked 8 hours on Christmas Day
Pay = $25 × 8 × 1.5 = $300
Because it was their usual rostered day → they also get 1 alternative holiday.
Example 2 – Retail Staff (Part-time)
Hourly rate: $22.50
Worked 5 hours on Labour Day
Pay = $22.50 × 5 × 1.5 = $168.75
Normal work day? Yes → also gets 1 alternative holiday.
Example 3 – Casual Worker
Hourly rate: $28
Worked 6 hours on Waitangi Day, but not normally rostered
Pay = $28 × 6 × 1.5 = $252
No alternative holiday, because it wasn’t a regular work day.
Why This Matters
- 📅 Helps workers understand their rights
- ✅ Ensures employers stay compliant
- 💰 Gives clear numbers for budgeting or payslips
FAQs About Holiday Pay in New Zealand
Do I always get an alternative holiday?
Only if the public holiday was an “otherwise working day” for you. If you normally don’t work that day, you don’t get the extra holiday.
Do I still get paid if I don’t work on the holiday?
If it’s a day you normally work, yes — you’re paid your normal daily pay, even if you don’t work.
What if I’m on call?
If you’re on call on a public holiday, special rules may apply. Sometimes you may get an alternative holiday even if you weren’t called in.
Do casual workers get holiday pay?
Casual employees usually don’t get annual holidays but are still entitled to time-and-a-half for public holiday work.
How do I check if a day is a public holiday in NZ?
See our NZ Public Holiday Calendar 2025.
Related Tools
- Annual Holiday Pay Calculator (OWP vs AWE)
- Mileage Reimbursement Calculator
- School Holiday Countdown
Disclaimer
This calculator is a guide only. It is based on New Zealand law (Holidays Act 2003). Actual entitlements may vary depending on your employment agreement, roster, or payroll system. Always confirm with Employment NZ or your HR/payroll provider.