NZ celebrates the Queen's Birthday

New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II being the head of state.  Her actual birthday is April 21 but the first Monday of June is celebrated by many New Zealanders as the Queen's birthday.  It is also during this time that the Queen's Honours list is released for people who are honoured and recognised for public service in all aspects of society.

It is a public holiday today.  Aside from it being a holiday, it is also a time for retailers to come out with promos and sales discounts on all kinds of products and services.  Many people have the day off and those working will get time and-a-half.  It is also the official opening of the ski season.  This will be the last of a series of long-weekends for 2014.  The next one will be during the Labour weekend towards the end of October.