Labour Day 2025 in New Zealand

Labour Day, an annual public holiday on the 4th Monday of October, is a day off for many New Zealanders. It commemorates the struggle for an 8-hour working day.

Is Labour Day a Public Holiday?

Labour Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

What Do People Do?

Labour Day is a public holiday so many workers in New Zealand take the time off to relax and enjoy their spare time. It is on a Monday, so some people make the most of the long weekend by going on short trips out of town. Street parades and protest marches to voice out the importance of workers' rights are also held on or around Labour Day

Public Life

Labour Day is a public holiday in New Zealand. Schools, government offices, and many businesses are closed.

Background

During the 19th century, workers in New Zealand tried to claim the right for an 8-hour working day. In 1840 carpenter Samuel Parnell fought for this right in Wellington, NZ, and won. Labour Day was first celebrated in New Zealand on October 28, 1890, when thousands of workers paraded in the main city centres. Government employees were given the day off to attend the parades and many businesses closed for at least part of the day.

Labor Day/May Day around the world

The first official Labour Day public holiday in New Zealand was celebrated on the second Wednesday in October in 1900. The holiday was moved to the fourth Monday of October in 1910 has remained on this date since then.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.