New Zealand Holidays and Sick Leave 2026: How It Works for New Migrants

Moving to New Zealand is an exciting step, but navigating our unique employment rights can feel daunting—especially when it comes to holidays and sick leave. For new migrants settling into Kiwi jobs in 2026, understanding these entitlements ensures you start strong, whether you're in Auckland's bustling offices or picking fruit in Hawke's Bay.

Right now, the rules stem from the Holidays Act 2003, but big changes are on the horizon with the Employment Leave Bill introduced in March 2026. This article breaks it down simply, with practical tips tailored for newcomers, so you can plan confidently and know your rights from day one.

Current Holidays Act Rules in 2026: What New Migrants Need to Know

Until the new laws kick in around 2028, the Holidays Act 2003 governs your leave.All employees, including new migrants on work visas, get at least 4 weeks' paid annual holidays after 12 months with the same employer. This doesn't include public holidays or sick leave, and your employment agreement can't offer less.

Annual Leave (Holidays) Under the Current System

Your annual leave entitlement arrives on your work anniversary. For full-time or part-time roles with regular hours, it's 4 weeks' pay based on your average earnings over the prior 12 months.

• If you work regular hours, you get the full 4 weeks upfront or accrued gradually.
• New migrants often start mid-year, so check your start date—your first entitlement might be pro-rated.
• You can request to cash up to one week's worth annually, but many employers allow more.

Pro tip for Kiwis: Combine annual leave with 2026 public holidays to stretch your time off. For example, book 5 days from 5-9 January around New Year's (1-2 January) for an 11-day break.

Sick Leave Entitlements Today

You're entitled to 10 days' paid sick leave per year after 6 months' continuous employment. This covers illness, injury (not covered by ACC), or family caring needs. Unused sick leave doesn't carry over, except in specific cases.

• Provide a medical certificate if requested after 3 consecutive days.
• New migrants: If you're on a visa tied to work, track this carefully—unpaid sick time could affect visa conditions.

Public Holidays and Alternative Holidays

New Zealand has 11 national public holidays in 2026, plus regional anniversary days. If they fall on a workday, you get the day off paid or paid time-and-a-half if working.

If you work on a public holiday, you might get an alternative holiday (time off in lieu) at a later date. "Mondayisation" applies—holidays on weekends shift to the next working day (e.g., Waitangi Day on Saturday 6 February becomes Monday 9 February).

Key 2026 Public Holidays	Date	Notes for Migrants
New Year's Day	1 January (Thu)	Perfect for early-year travel.
Day after New Year's	2 January (Fri)
Waitangi Day (Mondayised)	9 February (Mon)
Good Friday	3 April (Fri)	Easter long weekend.
Easter Monday	6 April (Mon)
ANZAC Day	25 April (Sat)	Mondayised to 27 April.

Regional anniversaries vary—e.g., Auckland is 29 January, Wellington 22 January. Check your local date via govt.nz.

The Employment Leave Bill 2026: Upcoming Changes and What They Mean for You

Introduced on 9 March 2026, the Employment Leave Bill will replace the Holidays Act, aiming for a simpler system. It starts in 2028 (2 years after Royal assent for most, 10 years for schools), but until then, stick to current rules.

Key Shifts to Hours-Based Accrual

The Bill introduces three hour types: standard (regular rostered), additional (over standard), and casual (unrostered). Leave accrues from day one against standard hours.

• Annual leave: Accrues at 0.0769 hours per standard hour worked (equates to 4 weeks/year for 40-hour weeks). Taken in hours, paid hourly.
• No accrual during ACC leave or unpaid periods, but yes during parental/jury leave.
• Balances don't adjust if hours change.

New Sick Leave Rules

Sick leave accrues at 0.0385 hours per standard hour, capped at 160 hours. Taken in hours, with payments simplified to a single hourly rate.

For additional/casual hours, get a 12.5% leave compensation payment upfront instead of accrual—great for gig workers or seasonal jobs common among migrants.

"The hours-based approach is designed to better reflect actual working patterns, particularly for part-time, variable-hours and shift-based employees."

Other Leave Updates

• Public holidays: New "otherwise working day" test for entitlements.
• Bereavement and family violence leave: Accrue in hours; transfers on job changes without payout.
• Cashing up: Up to 25% of annual leave yearly (up from 1 week).
• Past leave converts to hours on transition; remediation for Holidays Act underpayments.

Special Considerations for New Migrants

As a new arrival, your visa (e.g., Accredited Employer Work Visa) ties leave to employment. Open work visa holders have full rights from day one. Track accruals via payroll—many Kiwi employers use apps like Employment Hero.

Job Transfers and Closedowns

If switching jobs, untaken leave transfers under the new Bill—no forced payout. Annual closedowns (common in retail) can shift your anniversary.

ACC and Parental Leave Interactions

Sick leave doesn't cover ACC injuries (weekly compensation via ACC). Annual leave pauses during ACC but accrues on parental leave. New parents: Check Paid Parental Leave via Work and Income (WINZ).

Practical Tips for 2026

1. Review your employment agreement on day one—ensure it meets minimums.
2. Use tools like the govt.nz leave calculator.
3. For seasonal work (e.g., horticulture), note casual hour compensation.
4. Join unions like NZCTU for advice.
5. Keep records: Payslips show accruals.

Maximising Your Leave in 2026

Layer public holidays strategically:

• Labour Day (26 Oct) + Hawke's Bay Anniversary (23 Oct): Add 8 leave days for 16 off.
• ANZAC (27 Apr Mon): Bridge with leave for mid-year escapes.

Plan around school holidays if you have kids—many employers offer extra unpaid leave.

Next Steps: Secure Your Rights Today

Chat with your employer or HR about your leave balance. Download the Employment NZ app for reminders, and visit employment.govt.nz for personalised advice. If underpaid, use the new Bill's remediation process post-2028. You're building a new life here—knowing your leave rights lets you enjoy Aotearoa fully.