Payroll Planning for the Summer Break

Now is a great time to start planning your payroll processing to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time during the holidays.

Plan Ahead Review your payroll schedule and identify any paydays that may fall during public holidays, office closures, or staff leave periods. Where possible, submit payroll information early and allow time for approvals and bank authorisation.

Confirm Leave & Employee Ask staff to submit leave requests in advance, confirm annual leave dates, check leave balances. Ensure any pay rate changes, new starts, terminations, KiwiSaver updates, deduction changes, or bank account changes are notified as early as possible.

Public Holidays The main public holidays over the festive season are:

• Christmas Day - Friday 25 December 2026
• Boxing Day - Saturday 26 December 2026 – observed Monday 28^th December 2026
• New Year's Day - Friday 1 January 2027
• Day After New Year's Day - Saturday 2 January 2027 – observed Monday 4^th January 2027.

If employees work on a public holiday, they may be entitled to time and a half and, where applicable, an Alternative Holiday (day in lieu).

Before Submitting Your Payroll Please ensure:

• Timesheets have been completed and approved
• Leave requests have been provided and approved
• Public holiday arrangements are confirmed
• Employee changes have been advised
• Payroll approvals arranged and payment authorisations available during the holiday period

A little preparation now can help avoid last-minute payroll issues and ensure everyone enjoys a well-deserved break.

If you would like assistance in planning your Christmas payroll processing, please get in touch with our team.

By Lisa Hearn, Client Coordinator