Holidays Bill gives Kiwis a decent break

Kiwis deserve a decent break every year, says Labour’s Revenue spokesperson David Clark ahead of the first reading of his Holidays Amendment Bill that ensures every working Kiwi gets 11 public holidays a year.

“Kiwis know a fair deal when they see one. We will always honour Waitangi and Anzac Day but losing a public holiday when it falls on a weekend just isn’t right. This bill simply makes sure that a quirk of the date doesn’t stop Kiwis getting a well-deserved 11 public holidays a year.

“Despite businesses supporting the bill, the government has done their best in financial scaremongering. The worst figure they can come up with is a cost of 13c per worker per day and their own advisors admit that’s ‘likely to be overstated’.

“Their figures deliberately included the 228,000 self-employed people who aren’t affected by changes to public holidays.

“They have ignored the benefits that increased domestic tourism would bring and ignored the ability of flexible businesses to absorb and adapt to change. Most businesses budget for a full 11 days’ public holiday each year anyway and can absorb the small additional costs of a further public holiday over the seven-year period.

“Only National and Act oppose this bill. John Key is on the wrong side of Parliament, public opinion, the tourism industry and many businesses. He should suck up his pride and support this bill.

“These days are of growing importance to Kiwis’ sense of history and identity. Anzac Day and Waitangi Day should have the full recognition that Christmas Day and Boxing Day currently enjoy.”