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Employment Leave New Zealand

Practical, people-first guides to how leave actually works in New Zealand: public holidays, otherwise working days, annual leave, sick leave, bereavement, parental and family violence leave, plus the software and compliance side. Written by the NZ team that turned the Act into rules a computer can follow.

Holidays Act & public holidays

How the Holidays Act 2003 works today: public holidays, otherwise working days, Mondayisation, relevant and average daily pay.

Every NZ leave type explained

Annual, sick, bereavement, parental, family violence, alternative holidays and leave without pay — one guide per leave type.

Every NZ leave type explained

Annual leave in New Zealand, explained

Four weeks after 12 months, how it is paid (ordinary weekly pay vs average weekly earnings), cashing up, closedowns and what happens on termination.

18 min read Updated 16 Sep 2026
Every NZ leave type explained

Sick leave in New Zealand, explained

10 days a year after six months, carry-over up to 20 days, medical certificates, and using sick leave for dependants.

14 min read Updated 16 Sep 2026
Every NZ leave type explained

Parental leave in New Zealand, explained

Primary carer leave, partner's leave, extended leave, government paid parental leave and the changes arriving 1 July 2027.

17 min read Updated 16 Sep 2026

The 2028 changes

What the Employment Leave Act 2026 changes, when it starts, and how to get ready before 6 August 2028.

Coming soon The 2028 changes

The Employment Leave Act: what the new law changes and when it starts

The bill that replaces the Holidays Act 2003 received Royal assent on 6 August 2026 and takes effect on 6 August 2028. Here is what actually changes for employers and employees.

Being written — check back soon

Leave software & compliance

Choosing leave and payroll software that actually understands NZ law, and where global tools fall short.

Coming soon Leave software & compliance

The best leave management software for New Zealand businesses

An honest comparison of leave software that actually handles the Holidays Act — and a featured section for NZ providers worth knowing.

Being written — check back soon
Coming soon Leave software & compliance

The problem with global workforce software in New Zealand

Otherwise working days, Mondayisation, alternative holidays and average daily pay are uniquely Kiwi. Here is where global platforms fall short and what to check before you sign up.

Being written — check back soon
Coming soon Leave software & compliance

NZ leave compliance: a practical checklist for employers

Records you must keep, the calculations that most often go wrong, and how to audit your own payroll before the Labour Inspectorate does.

Being written — check back soon