Introduction to holidays and leave
There are different rules for different types of leave. Understanding your obligations as an employer makes it easier to work out leave entitlements and approve leave applications – leading to happier, more productive employees.
If you are an employee, Employment New Zealand has information for you.
Leave and holidays(external link) —Employment New Zealand
Public holidays
When a public holiday falls on a day your employee would usually work, they’re entitled to a paid day off, no matter how long they’ve been working for you.
If they choose to work, you must pay them at least time and a half, and give them a paid day off later.
Parental leave
Employees may be entitled to 26 weeks of government-funded parental leave payments.
They are also entitled to unpaid parental leave for either 52 weeks or 26 weeks, depending on how long they have worked for you.
Sick leave
Once they've worked for you for 6 months, employees are entitled to at least 10 days paid sick leave each year.
You must carry over sick leave into the next year, up to a maximum of 20 days.
Annual leave
All employees are entitled to at least four weeks of paid annual holidays. This doesn’t include public holidays or sick leave.
Bereavement leave
Once they’ve worked for you for 6 months, employees are entitled to paid bereavement leave.
Paying employees for leave
Keep wage and time records, get your calculations right, and understand entitlements – and you shouldn’t have too much trouble working out your employee’s leave.
