In the Cook Islands, labor regulations including the New Zealand Holidays Act 2003 are followed to determine leave entitlements such as paid vacation leave, also known as annual leave.

Key Provisions

• Entitlement: Full-time employees are entitled to four weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave for each 12 months of continuous employment.

• Accrual: Annual leave accrues progressively over time. Employees are not allowed to take all of their leave at the start of their employment.

• Part-time Employees: Part-time employees also accrue annual leave on a pro-rata basis according to their ordinary hours of work.

Important Considerations

• Scheduling: The timing of annual leave must be mutually agreed upon by employers and employees, taking into consideration both the needs of the business and the employee's preferences.

• Cashing Out: Employees can sometimes opt to cash out a portion of their accrued leave instead of actually taking time off. However, this is subject to specific requirements and limitations.

The Cook Islands, located in the South Pacific, have a rich blend of national holidays and cultural festivals that are celebrated throughout the year.

National Holidays

The national holidays celebrated in the Cook Islands include:

• New Year's Day (January 1st): This day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year.
• New Year's Holiday (January 2nd): This is an additional day off following New Year's Day.
• Good Friday (March/April): This day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The dates change annually as it is based on the Christian observance.
• Easter Monday (March/April): This is the day after Easter Sunday, a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. The dates change annually.
• ANZAC Day (April 25th): This day honors Australian and New Zealand soldiers who have served and died in wars and conflicts.
• Queen's Birthday (June, date varies): This day celebrates the birthday of the reigning British monarch.
• Constitution Day (August 4th): This day celebrates the Cook Islands becoming a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand in 1965.
• Gospel Day (October 26th): This day commemorates the arrival of Christianity in the Cook Islands in 1821.
• Christmas Day (December 25th): This day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Boxing Day (December 26th): This is the day after Christmas Day.

Island-Specific Holidays

In addition to the national holidays, some islands within the Cook Islands have additional public holidays that are specific to their unique history and culture. These include:

• Rarotonga Gospel Day (Late October): This day celebrates the arrival of Christianity on the island of Rarotonga.
• Aitutaki Gospel Day (Late October): This day commemorates the arrival of Christianity on the island of Aitutaki.

In the Cook Islands, there are several types of leave available to employees.

Annual Leave

Full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of four weeks (20 working days) of paid annual leave each year. Part-time employees accrue annual leave on a pro-rata basis according to their ordinary hours of work. Annual leave entitlement accumulates progressively throughout the year. Employees cannot take all their leave at the beginning of their employment. Employers and employees should generally agree on the timing of annual leave. Employers must consider employee preferences, but also the operational needs of the business.

Sick Leave

After six months of continuous employment, employees are entitled to five days of paid sick leave per year. An employee may use their sick leave if they are sick or injured or if they need to care for a sick family member. Employers may require a medical certificate as proof of illness or injury.

Bereavement Leave

Employees are entitled to up to three days of paid bereavement leave following the death of a close family member. Employees may be entitled to one day of leave for the death of a work colleague.

Maternity Leave

Pregnant employees may be eligible for parental leave, including paid maternity leave, unpaid extended leave and the possibility to return to work on a flexible basis. Further details and eligibility requirements are outlined in the Employment Relations Act 2000.

Other Types of Leave

Fathers and partners may be entitled to a period of unpaid parental leave under the Employment Relations Act 2000. Employees affected by domestic violence may be entitled to paid leave under the Holidays Act 2003.