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At today’s Holidays Act Briefing with Minister van Velden event for members, the Minister outlined the proposed Employment Leave Act, which will replace the Holidays Act.
These reforms mark a significant shift in how leave is calculated and understood, and today’s session has helped clarify what lies ahead. It is absolutely a step in the right direction and one of several changes the Government could make to reduce the friction, cost, and risk associated with hiring.
Business Canterbury will ensure that throughout the legislative process and the implementation period, you have access to the advice, toolkits, and training needed for a smooth transition.
Key Information
A full list of the key changes:
Read more details about the changes:
Read the Minister’s announcement:
- Overhaul of broken Holidays Act on the way — Beehive.govt.nz
Cabinet paper and minute setting out policy decisions:
Next steps
Once legislation has been drafted and introduced it will be considered by a Select Committee. The public and interested parties will have the opportunity to provide input at that stage.
- Read more about when and how to make a submission to a select committee and what happens (external link) — New Zealand Parliament
- Read more about the role of select committees(external link) — New Zealand Parliament
- Once the Bill is open for submissions a link will be published on the New Zealand Parliament website.
- Make a submission (external link) — New Zealand Parliament
Want More?
- You can read our submission on the proposed Employment Leave Act here.
- HR & Employment Essentials – 26 Nov 2025, Christchurch: 1-day workshop covering recruitment, onboarding, retention, and employee development.
- If your business would like support understanding what these changes could mean, get in touch at hradvice@businesscanterbury.co.nz — we’re here to help.
