RSA says Monday holiday devalues Anzac Day

Giving workers a day off for Anzac Day even if it falls on the weekend threatens to trivialise a special day, Masterton RSA president Bob Hill says.

Mr Hill, who is also on the RSA national executive council, said he supported the national RSA stance that a bill before Parliament would trivialise the true intent of the day.

The bill, which had its first reading this week and is before a select committee, would mean that if Anzac or Waitangi days fell during a weekend, the following Monday would be a public holiday. Both days would still be commemorated on April 25 and February 6, respectively.

"We are seriously concerned that to allow a holiday long weekend when Anzac Day falls within a weekend will take the focus away from our most solemn day of commemoration in memory of the sacrifice New Zealanders [made] for their nation and, instead, turn attention towards the holiday itself," Mr Hill said. "It will take the significance of the commemorations away."

Greytown World War II veteran France Skeet said Anzac Day should be left as it is.

"It's a special day to us. If they changed it, it would just become another holiday."

Businesses also had concerns. Wairarapa Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stephanie Gundersen-Reid said employers' biggest worry was that it would be yet another cost.

"Someone would have to pay for it and anything that puts more pressure on employers will bring some concerns," she said.

Masterton business owner Lynn Simpson said: "From a small business point of view, there are enough holidays we have to pay for now without adding more."

Australians have Monday off when Anzac Day falls on the weekend.