Glossary

Parental Leave

Parental leave is available to an employee who takes time off work to care for a newborn or a child under the age of six for whom the employee has assumed permanent responsibility. The different types of paid and unpaid parental leave are primary carer leave, special leave, partner’s leave, extended leave and negotiated carer leave.

In New Zealand, all employees are entitled to a minimum of up to 26 weeks of parental leave, as long as they meet the six or twelve month criteria. This entitlement covers female employees who are having a baby, and spouses or partners who will be the primary carer of a newborn or a child under six years of age.

An employment agreement can offer more generous parental leave entitlements if agreed upon by the employer.