Parental Leave Calculator (NZ)
Updated November 2026 · Free · No sign-up
Calculate NZ paid parental leave — 26 weeks of government-paid PPL (100% of ordinary pay up to the cap ~$754/week — adjusts each July), the hours-based eligibility tests, and the unpaid extended-leave year.
Quick answer: NZ PPL: 26 weeks government-paid at your ordinary weekly pay capped around $754/week (July-indexed — verify). Eligibility: averaging 10+ hours/week for any 26 of the 52 weeks before the due date. Extended UNPAID leave runs to 52 weeks with the 12-month test.
The Scheme’s Pieces
| Paid parental leave | 26 weeks, IRD-paid: 100% of ordinary pay to the cap (~$754 — July-indexed); self-employed included (min floor) |
| Eligibility (payment) | The WORK test: 10+ hrs/week average in any 26 of the prior 52 weeks — multi-employer hours count |
| Leave (job protection) | 6-month test → 26 weeks of protected leave; 12-month test → 52 weeks (26 paid + 26 unpaid extended) |
| Partner’s leave | 1-2 unpaid weeks (6/12-month tests) — PPL weeks are TRANSFERABLE to an eligible partner |
| Preterm babies | Extra payments for births before 37 weeks |
| Keeping-in-touch | Up to 64 paid hours without ending PPL |
Worked Example
$1,250/week earner: PPL pays the capped ~$754 (60% replacement) for 26 weeks ≈ $19,600 gross; with the 12-month test, another 26 unpaid weeks protect the job to the year. Employer top-ups above the cap are negotiable and increasingly common in competitive sectors.
Planning Notes
Apply via IRD before the baby arrives (or within 12 months); annual leave keeps accruing during parental leave BUT the following year’s leave pays at average-only rates (the famous post-parental AWE dip — plan the first post-return holiday’s pay expectation). KiwiSaver: employee/employer contributions pause on the unpaid portion unless agreed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is paid parental leave in NZ?
26 weeks at 100% of ordinary weekly pay, capped (~$754/week, adjusted each July) — paid by IRD, with a minimum floor for the self-employed.
Who qualifies for NZ PPL?
The work test: averaging 10+ hours/week in any 26 of the 52 weeks before the due date — across employers, including self-employment.
How long is parental leave job-protected?
26 weeks with 6 months’ service; 52 weeks (26 paid + 26 extended unpaid) with 12 months.
Can the partner take leave or the payment?
Partners get 1-2 unpaid weeks — and the 26 PPL weeks are transferable to an eligible partner in part or whole.
Does annual leave accrue during parental leave?
Yes — but the next year’s leave pays at average-weekly-earnings-only rates, which the zero-income months drag down; budget the post-return holiday accordingly.
✓ Formula verified • Last updated: November 3, 2026