Labour Day is observed in New Zealand every fourth Monday of October as a public holiday celebrating the achievements of workers. Its origins trace back to the trade union movement and the eight-hour working day movement initiated by carpenter Samuel Duncan Parnell in the Wellington colony in 1840. Parnell's advocacy led to a worker's meeting in October 1840, where a resolution was passed to support his idea, culminating in the first public holiday celebration in 1900. Since 1910, the holiday has been consistently celebrated on the fourth Monday in October across the country. On Labour Day, government offices, educational institutions, and many businesses close, allowing people to enjoy a long weekend. Typical customs include street parades, picnics, and sometimes protest marches in support of workers' rights.