Matariki, which marks Māori New Year, falls on June 28
Employers across New Zealand are being reminded of their obligations regarding wages ahead of the Matariki holiday this Friday.
"If a public holiday falls on a day that employees would otherwise be working, the employer must still pay them a full paid day off," said Labour Inspectorate Compliance Manager - Northern David Milne in a statement.
"If employees are working on a public holiday, then they're entitled to be paid time and a half, and they may also get an alternative day off."
The labour inspectorate also reminded that employees can only be asked to work on a public holiday if it's on a day they would normally be working, or if their employment agreement obligates them to work on that day.
According to Milne, it is important that employers understand these rules, and for employees to know their minimum rights regarding public holidays.
The Matariki has been declared as a public holiday to celebrate the Māori New Year, which falls on June 28 this year.
