Christmas is a magical time in New Zealand — long sunny days, BBQs on the beach, and
well-deserved time off for many. But for business owners, it can also be a challenging period with payroll adjustments, public holiday entitlements, and cash flow management to juggle.
With the 2024/25 Christmas and New Year public holidays falling midweek, you’ll need a good plan to keep things running smoothly. Here’s a practical and friendly guide to help you get your business holiday-ready while keeping things as stress-free as possible.
The Christmas and New Year public holidays — 25th and 26th December 2024, and 1st and 2nd January 2025 — fall on Wednesdays and Thursdays this year. For many Kiwi businesses, these midweek holidays will require careful planning to ensure staff are looked after and your business stays compliant with New Zealand employment laws.
Here’s the key stuff you need to know:
Getting this right isn’t just about compliance — it’s about building trust and goodwill with your team during a time when everyone deserves a little extra care.
Nobody likes last-minute scheduling headaches, so encourage your team to submit their leave requests early. This helps:
A gentle reminder — perhaps a chat in your next team meeting or a friendly email can go a long way. It also gives everyone peace of mind knowing the roster is sorted well in advance.
If your usual payday falls on a public holiday, it’s standard practice to pay employees on the last working day before the holiday. For example:
Here’s why it’s important:
Make sure to communicate any changes to pay dates early. A quick email or notice in your payroll system can avoid any confusion or last-minute panic.
To save yourself stress during the holiday rush, consider filing your payroll in advance. Most systems allow you to do this, and it’s a lifesaver when the office is closed, or your payroll admin is on leave. Get everything ready by:
It’s also a good idea to let employees know their pay schedule early so they can plan their finances over the holiday season.
Ah, cashflow — the lifeblood of any business. The holiday season can put pressure on your finances, with higher expenses and potential delays in income. But with some planning, you can stay in control and enjoy the summer break without financial stress.
Start with the basics: what’s your expected income over the holiday period? Look at:
By understanding demand, you can make better decisions about inventory, staffing, and promotions.
A solid budget is your best friend. Make sure to account for:
Don’t forget to include a buffer for unexpected costs — because you never know what might pop up.
Holiday spending can leave some customers dragging their feet on payments. Get ahead of this by:
A steady cash inflow before the holidays can make all the difference.
It’s all about balance. To keep your business running smoothly:
Remember, maintaining good relationships with your suppliers is just as important as keeping your cash flow healthy.
If you sell products, smart inventory management is essential. No one wants shelves overflowing with unsold stock — or worse, running out of what customers want. Use these tips:
Getting the balance right will free up cash while keeping your customers happy.
Think of this as your financial safety net. Set aside some extra cash to cover unexpected costs, slow sales, or other holiday surprises. Even a small buffer can make a big difference when things don’t go to plan.
If your business gets busier over the holidays, make sure you’ve planned for additional costs like:
This is also a good time to review your rostering to make sure you’re neither overstaffed nor understaffed.
The holiday season is prime time for promotions, but it’s easy to overspend if you’re not careful. Focus on:
Keep an eye on the results as they come in and tweak your approach if needed.
Look for ways to improve efficiency, like:
A leaner operation can give your cash flow a bit of breathing room.
Even when things are running smoothly, keep a close eye on your cash flow. Regularly review:
If something looks off, act quickly to adjust your strategy.
Good communication is key to avoiding hiccups over the holidays. Let your staff, suppliers, and even your bank know what to expect. Whether it’s altered schedules, order timelines, or payment terms, being upfront builds trust and helps everyone plan better.
You’ll need to pay your employees on the last working day before the holiday. For example, if payday is 25th December, pay on 24th December instead.
Employees who work on public holidays are entitled to:
With some forward planning, clear communication, and smart financial management, you can enjoy a smoother holiday period — and maybe even take a well-deserved break yourself. Christmas in New Zealand is all about relaxing and recharging, and with these tips, your business can do just that.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not apply to the specific details of your business. For personalised and tailored advice, we recommend reaching out to our professional team. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date content on our website, RightWay assumes no responsibility for any business loss or damage that may arise from relying on the information provided.