‘Mondayise’ holidays to benefit New Zealand

Providing a holiday on Monday when Waitangi Day and Anzac Day fall on a weekend will boost domestic tourism as more Kiwis take the opportunity to get away for a long weekend, says the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA).

‘Mondayisation’ of Waitangi and Anzac Days came a step closer last night after the Holidays (Full Recognition of Waitangi Day & ANZAC Day) Amendment Bill passed its second reading in Parliament.

“Giving New Zealanders a holiday on Monday when these days fall on a weekend will create real economic benefits across many sectors and is something we have been lobbying for,” says TIA Policy & Research Manager Simon Wallace.
“Long weekends encourage people to travel and the benefits will flow on from tourism into other areas, such as retailers, petrol stations, bars and cafes.”

Mr Wallace says domestic tourism is worth $13.8 billion annually to New Zealand ($38 million a day) and is the lifeblood of many tourism operations.

“We recognise that some employers may be disadvantaged by this Bill with extra wage costs, but these are likely to be minimal given the situation happens only two in every seven years. Businesses have also told us that more long weekends will improve worker productivity, which has benefits for the whole country.”

The commemoration of Waitangi Day and Anzac Day would still take place on 6 February and 25 April because of the significance these dates have for all New Zealanders. Granting a holiday on Monday when they fall on a weekend would enhance their status and leave people free to reflect on their significance.

Mondayising the holidays would bring New Zealand into line with Australia where Australia Day and Anzac Day are Mondayised when they fall on a weekend. This practice has not diminished the significance of the days in Australia, Mr Wallace says.

Read TIA’s submission on Mondayisation: www.tianz.org.nz/content/library/Holidays_Full_Recognition_of_Waitangi_Day_and_ANZAC_Day_Amendment_Bill.pdf

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