# Annual holidays Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/annual-holidays Scanned: 2026-06-07T03:31:31.402Z Use this as a current official guidance reference, not as a substitute for legal advice. ## Page Text Home Leave and holidays Annual holidays Leave and holidays Annual holidays All employees become entitled to 4 weeks annual holidays (annual leave) after 12 months of continuous employment. Leave and holidays Public holidays Annual holidays Managing annual holidays Taking annual holidays Annual closedowns and holidays Sick leave Bereavement leave Parental leave Family violence leave Jury service leave Employment Relations Education leave Time off to vote Defence force volunteers Other types of leave Managing annual holidays An employer must give their employees at least 4 weeks paid annual holidays (annual leave) – and keep accurate records of what employees are entitled to and have taken. Taking annual holidays You are entitled to at least 4 weeks of paid annual holidays (annual leave) when you have worked for your employer for 12 months. Annual closedowns and holidays If a workplace has an annual closedown, employees may be required to use some of their annual holidays during this time.