The 2026 State of Parental Leave is here
Our third annual review of the NZ Parental Leave Register shows more employers getting ahead of the legislation every year
A sneak peek at the numbers
What’s happened in 2026
85% held firm
13% improved provisions, 2% reduced
92% offer paid primary carer leave
Average: top-up 21 weeks, full pay 10 weeks
85% have paid partner’s leave
Average: 4 weeks
43% provide a graduated return
12% offer part-time hours for full-time pay during the transition
Take the next step
Build a better leave experience for your people and your business
Benchmark your policy
See how your policy compares with industry peers, backed by our recommendations.
Is an employee expecting?
Never miss a beat with the step-by-step parental leave guide for managers and employees
Talk to us
Book a free policy review to identify quick wins and long-term improvements.
More resources
Explore our report archive:
