Although many New Zealanders simply look forward to a day off, Labour Day actually commemorates the struggle for an eight-hour working day, something we were among the first in the world to achieve back in 1840. The day was first celebrated in 1890 and although the trade union movement had a patchy and rocky road that year, the celebrations were a huge success. Labour Day was made a statutory holiday for the first time in 1900 and since 1910 has been held on the fourth Monday of October.
To discover more of the history of Labour Day (and other New Zealand public holidays) check out the NZ History Website
Have a good day everyone
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