Understanding National Holidays in NZ: Easter Weekend and ANZAC Day 2025 for Employers

Written By Francesco Bravi

Public holidays in New Zealand can be a time to pause, reflect, and recharge; but for business owners, they can also be a compliance minefield. With Easter Weekend and ANZAC Day 2025 landing close together this year, it’s more important than ever to understand how these national holidays in NZ impact your operating hours, payroll responsibilities, and employee rights.

In this blog, we break down everything you need to know to stay compliant, informed, and ready.

What Are National Holidays in NZ?

New Zealand has 11 official public holidays, also referred to as national holidays. These are days where most employees are entitled to a paid day off if the holiday falls on a day they would normally work. These holidays include dates like Waitangi Day, Labour Day, and the ever-relevant Easter Weekend and ANZAC Day.

But while most people are familiar with these dates from a personal or cultural standpoint, business owners need to go a step further. Each public holiday comes with its own set of compliance rules, especially when it comes to restricted trading hours and public holiday pay requirements.

Easter Weekend: What to Know

Easter Weekend in 2025 falls on:

  • Good Friday: April 18 (Public Holiday & Restricted Trading Day)

  • Easter Sunday: April 20 (Restricted Trading Day, but not a public holiday)

  • Easter Monday: April 21 (Public Holiday)

Is Good Friday a Public Holiday?

Yes. Good Friday is a public holiday in New Zealand. It is also a restricted trading day, which means most shops and retail businesses must remain closed. Exceptions include:

  • Service stations

  • Dairies

  • Pharmacies

  • Cafes and restaurants (in some cases)

Employees who work on Good Friday are entitled to:

  • Time-and-a-half pay, and

  • An alternative holiday (day in lieu) if the day would normally be a working day for them.

Is Easter Sunday a Public Holiday?

No, and this often causes confusion.

While Easter Sunday is a restricted trading day, it is not classified as a public holiday. This means:

  • Shops can only open if permitted by local council policy or if exempt under legislation.

  • Employers must give written notice to employees informing them of their right to refuse to work. This notice must be provided at least four weeks in advance.

This is considered best practice and legally required in most situations. It ensures employees don’t feel pressured into working on a day that has traditionally been reserved for family or faith-based observance.

Is Easter Monday a Public Holiday?

Yes. If you’re wondering, "Is Easter Monday a public holiday?" the answer is a clear yes. It is an official national holiday in NZ with no trading restrictions.

Businesses may open, but employees are entitled to:

  • Time-and-a-half pay for hours worked

  • A day in lieu (if the day is otherwise a working day)

ANZAC Day 2025: What to Know

ANZAC Day 2025 falls on Friday, April 25.

Is ANZAC Day a Public Holiday?

Yes, ANZAC Day is a public holiday in New Zealand. However, it carries partial trading restrictions:

  • Shops and businesses must remain closed until 1:00 PM.

  • After 1:00 PM, normal trading can resume.

Like with other public holidays, any employee working on ANZAC Day is entitled to:

  • Time-and-a-half pay

  • A day in lieu (if the day would normally be a working day)

Employers must also observe respectful practices on ANZAC Day, which is a significant national occasion commemorating the service of New Zealanders in wars and conflicts.

Key Payroll Responsibilities During National Holidays in NZ

If you’re running a business during these periods, it’s essential to:

1. Understand Your Local Trading Rules

  • Easter Sunday trading varies by council. Check your local authority’s rules.

  • ANZAC Day has a nationwide closure requirement until 1 PM.

2. Notify Your Staff Early

  • For Easter Sunday, employees must receive written notice that they can refuse to work.

  • This notice must be issued at least four weeks in advance.

3. Follow Payroll Compliance

  • Time-and-a-half pay is mandatory for public holidays.

  • Alternative holidays (days in lieu) must be provided if the holiday falls on a usual workday.

4. Record Hours Accurately

Payroll during back-to-back holidays can be complex. Accurate timekeeping ensures correct entitlements and avoids disputes.

Final Thoughts

Between Easter Weekend and ANZAC Day 2025, employers in New Zealand face a unique compliance challenge. But it doesn’t need to be stressful.

Understanding which days are national holidays in NZ, knowing the answers to key questions like "Is ANZAC Day a public holiday?" or "Is Easter Monday a public holiday?", and being prepared ahead of time can make all the difference.

Need help with payroll calculations or updating your employment policies for the season? We’re here to support you.

Let’s make this holiday period stress-free, compliant, and fair for everyone.

Francesco Bravi
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