Labour pushes Monday-ising on eve of Anzac Day

Labour MP David Clark has introduced legislation that would ensure that when the days fall during weekends in the future, the following Monday would become a holiday. Photo / supplied

On the eve of Anzac Day, Labour has released documents supporting its proposal to "Monday-ise" public holidays.

Last year, Anzac Day fell on Easter Monday, and Waitangi Day fell on a Sunday, which meant New Zealanders missed out on two of the year's 11 public holidays.

Labour MP David Clark has introduced legislation to Parliament that would ensure that when the days fall during weekends in the future, the following Monday would become a holiday.

The plan has received support from several parties, although National is yet to say whether it will support it.

Mr Clark today released documents showing that the Government had sought advice on the prevalence of "Monday-isation" for holidays in Australia and Britain, and had been told that the practice was usual in both jurisdictions.

Some critics have suggested the change could detract from the significance of the days, but Mr Clark disagreed.

"Officials also note that the majority of public holidays in New Zealand are already observed on a Monday," Mr Clark said.

"They say that Monday-isation of Christmas does not detract from the religious significance of the day, and neither does the subsequent Monday-isation of New Year stop people celebrating its actual arrival."