Labour Day in New Zealand is a public holiday that celebrates the achievements of workers and the labour movement, particularly their efforts to secure an eight-hour workday. The origins of this holiday date back to the 1840s, when carpenter Samuel Parnell, a pioneer in advocating for workers’ rights, famously refused to work more than eight hours a day in Wellington. His stance quickly gained support from other tradespeople, and by 1840, the eight-hour workday became a standard for many workers in the city.

The labour movement continued to grow throughout the 19th century, with trade unions forming and workers rallying for better conditions, fair pay, and reasonable hours. The first official Labour Day celebration took place on October 28, 1890, marking the 50th anniversary of the eight-hour day movement. It became a public holiday in 1899, recognising the vital role of workers in shaping the country's economy and society.

Labour Day is not unique to Aotearoa—many countries around the world also celebrate similar holidays. International Workers' Day, or "May Day," is observed on May 1st in numerous nations, including most of Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. In these countries, Labour Day is often a time for demonstrations, parades, and political events, highlighting workers' rights and ongoing struggles for fair labour practices.

Challenges in workplace equality persist in New Zealand, particularly in relation to the gender pay gap. As of 2023, women in New Zealand still earn, on average, less than men for comparable work. The national gender pay gap is about 9.2%, with factors like occupational segregation, unconscious bias, and unequal access to career progression contributing to the disparity. The gap is even wider for Māori and Pasifika women, who face additional barriers.

In addition to the ongoing conversation around pay equity, many businesses are now trialling innovative approaches to work-life balance, including the four-day work week. This model, which maintains full pay while reducing work hours, has gained traction as companies seek to improve productivity, employee well-being, and job satisfaction. The trials have shown promising results, sparking discussions about the future of work and what the next step in workers’ rights might look like.

Another factor set to reshape the workforce here and globally is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI offers the potential to revolutionise industries, streamline operations, and drive innovation, it also raises concerns about job displacement. Automation and AI technologies could replace jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, customer service, and even administrative roles. Some fear that this shift could lead to widespread unemployment, particularly for lower-skilled workers, potentially pushing the country towards higher dependence on social benefits.

However, the future of AI is not solely about job loss. Experts argue that while some jobs may be automated, new types of work will emerge, requiring skills that AI cannot easily replicate, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving. The challenge lies in preparing New Zealand’s workforce for this transition—through education, upskilling, and support for workers in adapting to a rapidly changing economy.

The future of work will depend on striking a balance between technological progress and ensuring that the workforce remains equipped and supported to thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Labour Day serves as both a celebration of past victories and a reminder of the work still to be done to ensure fair and just conditions for workers around the world.