Iman Amirul Munner / The Stuff
Southern Cantabrians will miss an additional public holiday in 2022 due to a history clash.
South Cantabrian residents are set to miss an additional public holiday as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that New Zealand will celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s one-time commemorative birthday on the region’s anniversary day.
A disgruntled resident called Timaru Herald Just minutes after announcing it was “bloody typical,” the district will miss another holiday due to the date clash.
Another said, “History is in the making, and South Canterbury should get an exemption.”
“Why should you miss this area?”
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South Canterbury is the only region in the country that celebrates its anniversary in September.
Australia has designated a public holiday to mark a national day of mourning on September 22nd.
Wendy Smith, chief executive of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, said business owners would be relieved by the clash of history.
“From a business perspective, creating an additional public holiday is very challenging. The government needs to understand the financial impact of this on business even if it is a one-off.”
Smith said this was due to the pressure already being put on businesses from Covid-19, inflation and supply chain shortages.
“We understand that many people understandably wish to mourn and honor the Queen’s life and service, but the government needs to stop charging businesses with extra costs.
Mitchell Bransgrove/Staff
Wendy Smith, chief executive of the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, said business owners would be relieved by the clash of history.
“A large number of companies cannot afford to take additional public leave,” Smith said.
Smith said it was unclear what the clash meant for the people of southern Cantabria, and she hoped that would be clarified soon.
“It is a little disappointing that the government did not realize that South Canterbury was celebrating its annual day.”
Smith said they had already had business owners call the chamber for advice on how to handle the clash and said they were seeking legal advice.
“Companies have always been asking for clarity and seeking action, and unfortunately this is once again causing unnecessary stress.”