Free New Zealand calculator

Holiday Pay Calculator NZ: Annual Holiday Pay

Estimate gross pay for annual holidays by comparing a verified ordinary weekly pay (OWP) amount with average weekly earnings (AWE). This is not a public-holiday or final-pay calculator.

Calculation sources checked 11 October 2026 · NZD · Estimates only

How does it work?

For a week of annual holidays, the Holidays Act calculation generally uses the greater of ordinary weekly pay or average weekly earnings. OWP must be determined correctly for your employment situation.

Enter your details

Ordinary weekly pay, correctly determined (NZ$)

Qualifying gross earnings during assessment period (NZ$)

Whole or part weeks employed in assessed period (maximum 52)

Annual holiday weeks being taken (up to 4)

Your estimate

Estimated gross annual holiday payment—

Ordinary weekly pay (entered)—

Average weekly earnings (calculated)—

Greater weekly amount—

Method used—

Enter valid figures for an indicative result.

Method and worked New Zealand example

AWE = qualifying gross earnings over the 12 months up to the end of the pay period before leave, divided by 52 (or the whole/part weeks employed if less than 12 months). OWP is the correctly established ordinary weekly pay at the start of leave, including relevant regular payments. If normal pay cannot be determined, the statutory OWP formula may need to be used; this estimator requires you to enter an OWP amount established separately.

Example: OWP $900, gross earnings $52,000 for 52 weeks and one week of annual holidays: AWE $1,000; the estimate is $1,000 gross.

Assumptions and important limitations

ONLY for whole-pattern weekly annual-holiday scenarios where OWP is already correctly established. Not for public holidays, alternative holidays, sick leave, pay-as-you-go 8%, final pay, incomplete entitlement, complex part-week leave or irregular rosters. Eligibility and leave entitlement must be checked separately. Confirm payroll treatment with Employment New Zealand.

Official sources (checked 11 October 2026): Employment NZ annual holiday pay; Employment NZ calculating holiday and leave pay.

Frequently asked questions

What is AWE?

Average weekly earnings calculated from gross earnings during the appropriate period.

What if I cannot determine OWP?

Use Employment New Zealand guidance to determine OWP or its statutory four-week formula before using the calculator.

Can it work out my annual leave balance?

No. It estimates pay for qualifying annual holidays taken, not entitlement or accrued leave.