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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.
- 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.
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. Business Canterbury will submit on the Bill at Select Committee on behalf of our members. Once a final Bill is presented to the House and passes as legislation - we will roll out support for businesses to transition over the two-year period before it comes into force.
