Photo: ODT filesMaking Matariki a public holiday could cost New Zealand businesses up to $448 million - double previous forecasts, officials say. It is the first time the Government has revealed the possible cost of adding a 12th public holiday to the calendar despite receiving the advice last term. Mr Wood ruled out swapping another public holiday and said he would not be seeking advice on doing so. ‘‘In reality, if we followed through on Act’s world view, we probably wouldn’t have any public holidays. Instead, he wanted the Government to swap Matariki for a different public holiday.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 22, 2021 03:44 UTC