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Day in Lieu (Alternative Holiday) NZ: Do You Get One?
Check if working a public holiday gives you a paid alternative holiday, and your time-and-a-half pay.
1. The public holiday
Did you work on the public holiday?
Would you normally have worked on that day of the week?
You should get
$360.00
Time and a half: 8 hours × $45.00
➕ Plus a paid alternative holiday (day in lieu) to take another time.
🧭 Good to know
- New Zealand has 12 public holidays a year, including Matariki.
- Time and a half applies to every hour you work on the public holiday.
- An alternative holiday must be taken within 12 months, or you can ask for it to be paid out.
- Unsure if the day is "otherwise a working day"? Look at your roster and usual pattern of work.
Rules last checked: October 2026. Holidays Act 2003. Your relevant daily pay can include regular extras such as allowances. 🔒 Everything stays on your device.
✅ Rules last checked:
📚 Official sources: Employment New Zealand: public holidays
We build every tool from the official rules and re-check them when they change. Always confirm with the official source before you rely on a result.
🛠️ Spotted a mistake or an out-of-date rule? Tell us
Questions people ask
How much do I get for working on a public holiday in NZ?+
At least time and a half for every hour you work. If the day would otherwise be one of your usual working days, you also get a paid alternative holiday (a day in lieu).
Do I get paid if I don't work on a public holiday?+
Yes, if it would otherwise have been a working day for you: you're paid your relevant daily pay for the day off.
How long do I have to use a day in lieu?+
Your employer should let you take it within 12 months. After that you can ask for it to be paid out.