Easter & ANZAC Day: What Employers Need to Know (Without the Headache)

With the festive season in the rear-view mirror, Easter and ANZAC Day are just around the corner - and that means it’s time to brush up on your public holiday obligations.

From Mondayisation to Easter Sunday trading rules, here’s what you need to know to keep things compliant (and your team happy).

Key Dates for 2025

• Good Friday – Friday, 18 April (Public Holiday)

• Easter Sunday – Sunday, 20 April (Not a Public Holiday)

• Easter Monday – Monday, 21 April (Public Holiday)

• ANZAC Day – Friday, 25 April (Public Holiday)

Easter Sunday: Not a Public Holiday, But Still Important

Easter Sunday isn’t classed as a public holiday — but it does come with unique conditions:

• Shop employees can say no to working that day — and they don’t need to give a reason.

• If you’re planning to roster someone on, you must give at least four weeks’ written notice, letting them know they have the right to decline.

• They then have 14 days to respond if they’d prefer not to work.

⚠️ Heads up: Local councils may have additional trading restrictions, so double-check your region’s rules if your business operates on Sundays.

Public Holiday Pay: What You Need to Know

Here’s where it can get a little technical — but we’ll keep it simple:

1. Work Out Who Normally Works That Day

Public holiday entitlements apply if the day is one the employee would “normally” work.

For variable rosters, look back over the past 4–6 weeks to assess typical hours.

2. Employees Get Paid Time Off

If the day is normally worked, they get:

• A paid day off, or

• Time and a half + an alternative day, if they work the public holiday.

3. Understanding Mondayisation

If a public holiday falls on a weekend, it’s “Mondayised” for those who don’t usually work weekends.

But — if someone usually works both the weekend and the Monday, they only get the public holiday on the calendar date (not both).

For more detailed scenarios and guidance, refer to the Employment New Zealand website.

👋 Need a Hand?

Whether you’ve got questions about public holiday pay, Mondayisation, or communicating with your team — we’ve got your back. Just reach out and we’ll help make it easy.

Wishing you a happy, smooth, and compliant Easter season 🐰💜