Even though I flinch at using the mangled, made-up word "Monday-ised", I'm not against the idea itself.
Monday-ising (ouch) public holidays will mean getting a holiday even when a quirk of the calendar means the date falls on the weekend.
The RSA doesn't back this policy in relation to AnzacDay, saying having a three-day weekend when Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday would trivialise the day, even though the ceremonies to mark the occasion would still be held on the 25th.
A former Minister of Veteran's Affairs, Judith Collins, has backed their stance saying an Anzac Day long weekend would be disrespectful to those whose lives were lost.
Australia has this arrangement already, however, and I've seen nothing to suggest they have any less respect for their war veterans than we do.
And under the status quo, when Anzac Day falls on a Monday or any other weekday, people are still free to treat the day like a holiday.
Every year, a steady increase in turnout for Anzac Day ceremonies is seen and that won't necessarily change because of an extra day off.
A bill before Parliament would also see a Monday holiday observed when Waitangi Day falls on a weekend. No one seems to be quite as concerned that that would trivialise the celebrations that mark February 6.
