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Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday 2024 in New Zealand

Until her passing in 2022, New Zealanders celebrated Queen Elizabeth II's birthday on the first Monday of June each year. It has now been replaced by the King's Birthday, which falls on the same date.

Is Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday a Public Holiday?

Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday is not a public holiday in 2024. Schools and most businesses are open.

An image of Queen Elizabeth II, whose birthday was celebrated as a public holiday in New Zealand.

©iStockphoto.com/arnwald

What Do People Do?

Many people had the day off on the Queen’s birthday, which was usually held on a Monday. The long weekend marked the official opening of the ski season. The Queen's Honours list was released around the time of the Queen’s birthday public holiday. This list had hundreds of recipients, who are honored and recognized for public service, from services to television to services to prisoner welfare.

Public Life

The Queen's birthday was a public holiday in New Zealand. Schools, government offices, and many businesses were closed.

Background

The official head of state of New Zealand is the Monarch of the Commonwealth Realms. The monarch's birthday is officially celebrated in many parts of New Zealand. On her accession in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II was proclaimed “Queen of this Realm and all her other Realms” in New Zealand. The monarch's representative in New Zealand, the governor-general, has symbolic and ceremonial roles and is not involved in the day-to-day running of the government, which is the domain of the prime minister. The Queen's actual birthday was April 21, but it was celebrated as a public holiday on the first Monday of June.

Symbols

Images of the Queen are seen on various paraphernalia, especially royal collection items. Some museums may display these items especially around the time of the Queen's birthday holiday.

Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday Observances

Queen Elizabeth II's Birthday in New Zealand has not been observed since 2022.

YearWeekdayDateNameHoliday Type
2019MonJun 3Queen Elizabeth II's BirthdayNational holiday
2020MonJun 1Queen Elizabeth II's BirthdayNational holiday
2021MonJun 7Queen Elizabeth II's BirthdayNational holiday
2022MonJun 6Queen Elizabeth II's BirthdayNational holiday

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.