The State of Parental Leave in New Zealand – 2025
Insights into what changed in 2025 and what top employers are doing differently from 300+ employers, powered by the country’s only verified policy database.
Key findings
What happened in 2025
Most employers held firm on their policies despite economic challenges.
82% of employers on the register made no change to their parental leave policy, and another 17% made improvements.
Employer-paid parental leave ranges from 1 to 26 weeks.
The average number of paid weeks offered:
Partners: 4 weeks
Primary carers: 21-week top-up or 11 weeks of paid leave
Two-thirds of employers make KiwiSaver contributions during parental leave.
A similar proportion of employers also pay annual leave at its full value.
The next frontier
2025 showed a shift toward more holistic, human parental leave.
Providing greater support for different paths to parenthood.
More employers are offering additional paid leave for family formation, premature birth and pregnancy loss.
Formalising return-to-work support so employees have a more consistent experience.
Transition support can include flexibility such as a phased return, coaching, employee resource groups and extra sick leave for new parents.
Recognising the significance of this milestone for the employee’s family
From gift packs to grandparent leave to financial coaching, more employers are celebrating expecting employees in meaningful ways.
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