Anzac Day will be observed on Monday, April 27, this year because the national day of remembrance falls on Saturday, April 25.
- Observed Holiday: Monday, April 27 (due to “Mondayisation”).
- Trading Restrictions: Most shops must remain closed until 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
- Pay Entitlements: Statutory holiday pay depends on whether an employee normally works Saturdays or Mondays.
Understanding Mondayisation and Pay Entitlements
According to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), when a public holiday falls on a weekend, it may be moved to the following Monday, a process known as “Mondayisation.”
For permanent employees who normally work Monday through Friday, public holiday entitlements will apply to Monday, April 27. However, if an employee normally works on the calendar date of the holiday—Saturday, April 25—their entitlements apply to that day.
Employees who work both the calendar date and the Mondayised date are entitled to only one public holiday, which remains the calendar date. MBIE advised workers with irregular patterns to agree on the holiday date with their employer or review their individual contracts.
Shop Trading Hours and Surcharges
Under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990, Anzac Day is a restricted trading day. This means supermarkets, department stores, and mall retailers must close until 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 25.
These trading restrictions apply strictly to the calendar date and are not affected by Mondayisation. This rule is intended to ensure the morning is reserved for community reflection and commemorations.
Certain hospitality venues, including restaurants, cafés, bars, and takeaway outlets, are exempt and may open before 1 p.m. The Commerce Commission noted that businesses may apply a public holiday surcharge to cover additional wage costs, provided the fee is prominently displayed via signage.
Commemorations and Services
Anzac services will be held across the country on Saturday, April 25. Key ceremonies include the Dawn Service at the Auckland Domain starting at 6 a.m. and the National Commemoration at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington at 11 a.m.
For those unable to attend in person, services from the capital will be streamed at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday via TV1 and TVNZ+.
Auckland Council has outlined confirmed ceremonies across the wider region, while other regional service information is available via local council websites and Facebook pages.
Additional programming on Saturday includes a 12 p.m. documentary, “Form Field to Front,” detailing the life of 1905 All Blacks captain Dave Gallaher. At 2:30 p.m., “The Classics” will feature former All Blacks players competing against the Classic Wallabies at Stadium Taranaki in New Plymouth.
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