Applying for parental leave in New Zealand: A guide for parents
When you're expecting a child or preparing to become a primary carer, understanding how to apply for parental leave is important. This guide explains the notification requirements, timelines, and how to access government-paid parental leave, whether you're an employee or self-employed.
Notification requirements for employees
If you're employed, you must notify your employer in writing about your intention to take parental leave:
Birth parents: At least 3 months before your expected due date
Taking permanent care of a child under 6 (e.g., adoption): At least 14 days before the placement date
Your written request should include:
The type(s) of leave you're applying for (e.g., primary carer leave, partner's leave, extended leave)
Your intended start and end dates
When you plan to return to work after your leave
If you're the primary carer, whether you plan to transfer any entitlements to your partner
Note for self-employed parents: If you're self-employed, you don't need to apply for leave from an employer. You simply need to stop working when you want your parental leave to begin.
What happens after you apply
When you submit a parental leave request to your employer, they have 42 days to respond, broken into three stages:
Stage 1 - First 7 days: Your employer may ask for additional information
Stage 2 - Next 14 days: You have time to provide that information
Stage 3 - Final 21 days: Your employer must provide a formal written response confirming:
Whether you're eligible for parental leave
Whether you'll be able to return to the same position
Any applicable organisational policies or enhanced benefits
Applying for government-paid parental leave
Regardless of whether you're employed or self-employed, you must apply separately to Inland Revenue for paid parental leave payments here. This doesn't happen automatically through your employer.
When to apply
Earliest: Once you have official documentation confirming you're expecting or assuming care of a child, such as:
A letter from a midwife or obstetrician
A court order for adoption or guardianship
Deadline: You must apply before the earlier of:
Your child's first birthday for birth parents or 12 months after becoming the primary carer of a child under six
Before you return to work (except for Keeping in Touch hours)
How to apply
You can apply for government-paid parental leave through the Inland Revenue website here. You'll need to provide details about your employment or self-employment status and documentation confirming your parental status.
Remember:
Plan ahead and submit your notifications within the required timeframes
Keep copies of all documentation and correspondence
If you're self-employed, you still need to apply to the IRD for paid parental leave, even though you don't need employer approval to take time off
Consider how your leave might align with your partner's leave if you're planning to share caregiving responsibilities
Taking the time to understand and follow these steps will help ensure a smooth transition into parenthood and protect your employment rights and financial support during this important time.
Now for the important legal part: The information we provide is general and not regulated financial advice for the purposes of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. Please seek independent legal, financial, tax or other advice in considering whether the content in this article is appropriate for your goals, situation or needs. The information in this article is current as at 1 May 2025.
Stephanie Pow
Founder and CEO, Crayon