You Pick A Side: Do we need more public holidays in New Zealand?
Thursday, 4 June 2026
Stuff’s weekly series diving into the everyday topics that get people talking.
Each week, we’ll put up a simple question, make the case for both sides, and let you decide. Vote in the poll, or have your say in the comments.
So … pick a side.
Yes, we need more public holidays.
Life is busier than ever, and extra public holidays would give Kiwis more time to rest, recharge and spend time with family and friends. Long weekends also benefit tourism, hospitality and local attractions, encouraging people to travel and support businesses.
No, we have enough.
An extra day off sounds great — until someone has to pay for it. Public holidays can be expensive for businesses, especially small operators already dealing with rising costs. Not everyone gets to enjoy them equally either - many essential workers still have to turn up.
Have your say in the comments and let us know if you have any topics you want discussed. If you’re using the Stuff app on iOS you’ll need to view Stuff.co.nz on a browser to view and post comments.
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