Central Otago employers are being urged to double-check their rosters and trading statuses this week, as the Labour Inspectorate issues a pre-Christmas reminder regarding holiday pay and restricted trading laws.

With the region entering its busiest period for horticulture and hospitality, Labour Inspectorate head of compliance and enforcement Jeanie Borsboom said it is vital business owners understand which days they can legally open.

Under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990, almost all retail shops must close on Christmas Day. 

However, the rules affecting inland Otago are nuanced due to the region's heavy reliance on tourism and essential services.

While Queenstown holds a broad area exemption allowing most retailers to trade, businesses in the rest of Central Otago must rely on specific category exemptions to open their doors on December 25. 

Permitted businesses include dairies, petrol stations, pharmacies, restaurants, cafes, and hairdressers.

Jeanie warns shops falling outside these specific exemption categories are committing an offence if they trade on restricted days, and shops are responsible for self-assessing if they meet the criteria.

The Inspectorate is also highlighting strict rules around pay.

Employees working on any of the four statutory holidays - Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and January 2 - must be paid at least time-and-a-half for the hours worked. 

If the public holiday falls on a day the employee would normally work, they are also entitled to a paid alternative holiday, commonly known as a day in lieu.

Staff who do not work the public holiday, but for whom it would be a normal working day, are entitled to their relevant daily pay.

For businesses planning a summer shutdown, employers can require staff to take annual leave, but must have provided at least 14 days’ written notice. 

Public holidays falling during a closedown period must still be paid if they fall on a day that would otherwise be a working day for the staff member.

Further details on closedowns and "otherwise working days" for casual staff can be found on the Employment New Zealand website.