Good Friday, one of the most significant holidays in the Christian calendar, is also a public holiday in New Zealand. It signifies the day Jesus Christ was crucified and is observed during the Holy Week on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday. In New Zealand, Good Friday is a day of reflection and religious observance, when Christians attend Church services and participate in processions and passion plays recalling the sufferings and death of Christ.
Apart from church activities, the day is remarkably quiet. This is due to strict trading restrictions in place for Good Friday in New Zealand. Under the Shop Trading Hours Act Repeal Act 1990, nearly all shops are required to be closed for the entirety of Good Friday. These laws reflect the strong Christian heritage of the country, recognizing the religious significance of the day and allowing the community to observe it accordingly.
Good Friday in New Zealand also heralds the start of the long Easter weekend, which is often marked by family gatherings and social activities. Many people take advantage of the extended break to travel locally or relax at home. It's also a time for traditional seasonal foods - hot cross buns, a spiced sweet bun marked with a cross on top, are a particular favorite. Despite the solemn nature of the day, it also carries a message of hope, with believers taking comfort in the resurrection of Christ celebrated on Easter Sunday.