Labour Day is celebrated across the globe as a celebration of the 8-hour work day. In New Zealand, it is a public holiday that allows workers more time with their family.
Upcoming Dates For Labour Day
Labour Day is celebrated in October, on the fourth Monday. Here is a list of the upcoming dates for celebration:
- Monday, October 23, 2017
- Monday, October 22, 2018
- Monday, October 28, 2019
- Monday, October 26, 2020
- Monday, October 25, 2021
- Monday, October 24, 2022
- Monday, October 23, 2023
- Monday, October 28, 2024
- Monday, October 27, 2025
Where Is Labour Day Considered a Holiday?
Labour Day is considered a holiday all across New Zealand (as well as many other countries). On Labour Day, many businesses will be closed, allowing employees to spend more time at home with their families. This is a welcomed holiday, giving many people an extra day off. Although not every business is closed on Labour Day. Some remain open to serve customers. Public transportation is likely unavailable and there are no government offices open.
Festivities & Events During Labour Day
Labour Day is a long weekend, therefore many people choose to take a trip with their families. It's common to take a vacation during the weekend before Labour Day, returning home on the Labour Day. If you're planning a trip, make sure to check for travel delays due to the high demand of traffic. There are likely to be many traffic delays throughout the cities as well. Most people have the day off work, so they may choose to travel locally as well. There are some parades on Labour Day weekend, to celebrate workers' rights. Those who are choosing to make declarations regarding current rights often do so during the Labour Day parades.
A Brief History About Labour Day
In 1840, a carpenter named Samuel Parnell fought for an 8-hour working day in Wellington, NZ. This was a successful claim, and many started to protest the long work days. Labour Day was first celebrated, widely, on October 28, 1890. Thousands of workers paraded in the cities. Government workers were even given a half-day off work to celebrate. Labour Day was originally celebrated on the second Wednesday of October, until 1910. Then it was switched to the fourth Monday of October and has remained such ever since.