New Years Day - January 1st.

New Years Public Holiday - January 2nd.

Waitangi Day - February 6th. Commemorates the signing of the Treaty Of Waitangi in 1840.

Easter - Held over a four-day weekend, from Good Friday to Easter Monday. Shops and other businesses are legally required to close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday (although are exempt, and some others break the law.)

ANZAC Day - 25 April. The anniversary of the day when ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) troops landed in Gallipoli, during World War I. The holiday honours everyone who has served in the nation's wars. Many cities and towns hold dawn services at local memorials, and many people wear red poppies pinned to their shirts. Most shops and other businesses are legally closed until 1 PM.

Queen's Birthday - First Monday in June, to create Queen's Birthday Weekend. Since it falls on different dates, it isn't her actual birthday.

Labour Day - Fourth Monday in October. Honours the start of regulations for an eight-hour standard working day, in 1936. New Zealand was the first country in the world with such a regulation.

Christmas - December 25.

Boxing Day - December 26.

There are several local holidays, to observe the anniversary of various cities and towns.

Other Holidays

These aren't official public holidays, but are observed with various festivities:

Guy Fawkes Day - November 5. Marks the anniversary of an attempt to destroy the British Parliament buildings, with explosives, in 1605. Mr. Fawkes and his conspirators were upset with King James I and other governmental powers' lack of tolerance for Catholics. The plan was thwarted when Fawkes was caught and executed. Some cities in New Zealand have fireworks displays on Guy Fawkes weekend.

Halloween - October 31. Pretty much the same deal as other Western countries.

Diwali - Late October or Early November. Hindu festival of lights and the start of the Hindu New Year.

Hanukkah - Last week of December. The most prominent Jewish holiday, with candles and presents.

Chinese New Year - Late January or Early February. Some cities in New Zealand with large Chinese populations, have public celebrations.

Ramadan - Various times during the summer. The holy month for Muslims, including fasting during the daytime.