Government MPs have unceremoniously rejected the idea of a one-off public holiday on Friday in the event of a All Whites win at the World Cup overnight.
Labour MP Trevor Mallard had sought the leave of Parliament to introduce a member's bill declaring the day a public holiday.
His rationale was that, if the All Whites beat Paraguay, there will be huge celebrations and people will be really tired, so if it's not essential for them to be at work, they should be allowed to stay home.
Also, he argued, Anzac Day and Waitangi Day fell on Sundays this year, so the cost to employers of public holidays has been less than usual.
However, when Mr Mallard attempted to move his motion in Parliament on Thursday afternoon, it was loudly voted down by government MPs.
