Labour Day in New Zealand, celebrated each fourth Monday in October, recognises a significant achievement in the country’s labour movement: the establishment of the eight-hour workday.

This public holiday is a tribute to workers’ rights and honours the efforts of early advocates who shaped the nation's employment standards.

The movement for fair working hours began in the 1840s, championed by carpenter Samuel Parnell.

Parnell famously insisted on an eight-hour workday, declaring it essential for a balanced life.

His stand against longer hours quickly gained support, marking the start of New Zealand's push for labour rights and setting a powerful example.

The first Labour Day was celebrated on October 28, 1890, with parades in cities across the country, organised by trade unions to highlight the progress made toward better work conditions.

The success of this initial celebration led to the passing of the Labour Day Act in 1899, making Labour Day a statutory holiday.

Initially observed on the second Wednesday in October, it was moved to the fourth Monday in October in 1910, providing New Zealanders with a long weekend.

Labour Day reminds us of the hard-won rights to fair working hours and is a time to reflect on the legacy of those who championed better conditions for all.

Today, the holiday continues to symbolise the importance of work-life balance and remains a valued part of New Zealand's labour history.