Ordinary weekly pay
What you normally receive for an ordinary working week, including regular payments that form part of normal weekly earnings.
New Zealand Holiday Pay Tool
Holiday Pay Calculator NZ 2026
Calculate annual-leave pay using the greater of ordinary weekly pay and average weekly earnings, or estimate pay for working a New Zealand public holiday.
Current law: Holidays Act rules remain in force until the Employment Leave Act takes effect in August 2028.
Annual leave ruleHigher of OWP or AWEPublic-holiday work is generally at least time-and-a-half, with an alternative holiday when applicable.
Annual leave pay estimate
Under the current Holidays Act rules, annual holiday pay is generally the greater of ordinary weekly pay (OWP) or average weekly earnings (AWE).
Average weekly earnings$1,200.00
Weekly holiday-pay rate used$1,200.00
Estimated annual leave pay$1,200.00
Public holiday work estimate
If you work on a public holiday, the minimum is generally time-and-a-half for the time actually worked. If it is an otherwise working day, an alternative holiday is usually due as well.
Normal pay for those hours$240.00
Minimum public-holiday pay$360.00
Alternative holidayUsually yes
Quick answer
How annual leave pay is calculated in NZ
When annual holidays are taken, the minimum payment is generally the greater of ordinary weekly pay (OWP) at the start of the holiday or average weekly earnings (AWE) over the relevant previous 12 months.
Average weekly earnings
Generally gross earnings over the previous 12 months divided by 52. The higher of AWE and OWP is used for annual holiday pay.
Minimum entitlement
Employees generally become entitled to four weeks of paid annual holidays after 12 months of continuous employment.
8% holiday pay
Is NZ holiday pay always 8%?
No. The common “8% holiday pay” rule is not the normal calculation for taking entitled annual leave. Employment New Zealand permits 8% pay-as-you-go only in specified situations, and 8% also appears in certain final-pay calculations for a part-year since the last anniversary.
Public holiday pay
How much are you paid for working a public holiday?
If you work on a public holiday, Employment New Zealand says you must receive at least the higher of: time-and-a-half of your RDP (or ADP if applicable) for the time worked, excluding penal rates; or your RDP/ADP for the time worked including any applicable penal rates in your employment agreement.
At least time-and-a-half
You cannot be paid less than time-and-a-half for the hours actually worked on a public holiday, although an employment agreement can provide more.
Alternative holiday
If the public holiday is an otherwise working day, you usually receive a paid alternative holiday as well.
If you do not work
If it is an otherwise working day and you do not work, you are generally entitled to the paid public holiday at RDP or ADP as applicable.
Check NZ public holiday dates →Official sources
Employment New Zealand holiday pay guidance
FAQs
Holiday pay calculator NZ questions
How do I calculate holiday pay in New Zealand?
For annual holidays taken, pay is generally at least the greater of ordinary weekly pay at the start of the holiday or average weekly earnings over the relevant previous 12 months. The calculator compares those two weekly rates.
What is average weekly earnings for NZ holiday pay?
Average weekly earnings are generally gross earnings over the previous 12 months divided by 52. Special rules can apply for shorter employment or periods of unpaid leave.
Is holiday pay always 8% in New Zealand?
No. The 8% method applies only in specific situations, including lawful pay-as-you-go arrangements and part-year final-pay calculations. Employees generally become entitled to four weeks of paid annual holidays after 12 months.
How much do I get paid for working on a public holiday?
If you work on a public holiday, you must be paid at least the higher of time-and-a-half of RDP or ADP for the time worked excluding penal rates, or RDP or ADP for the time worked including applicable penal rates in the employment agreement.
Do I get a day in lieu for working on a public holiday?
Usually yes when the public holiday is an otherwise working day for you. The legal term is an alternative holiday.
Are NZ holiday pay rules changing?
Yes. The Employment Leave Act is due to replace the Holidays Act in August 2028. Current Holidays Act rules continue to apply until then.