NZ Parental Leave Calculator
Calculate your paid parental leave for 2025-26 or 2024-25. See your weekly PPL payment, employer top-up, tax impact, KiwiSaver contributions, and a complete leave timeline.
Quick Answer
NZ provides 26 weeks of government-funded paid parental leave, capped at $712.17/week for 2025-26. You receive the lesser of your average weekly earnings or the cap. PPL is taxable income.
Key Facts — 2025-26
PPL Duration
26 Weeks
Weekly Cap
$712.17/week
Total Leave Available
52 Weeks
Taxable?
Yes (PAYE applies)
Keep-in-Touch
Up to 64 Hours
Eligibility
10+ hrs/wk, 26+ wks
Eligibility requires at least 26 of the last 52 weeks at 10+ hours/week.
PPL can be shared between parents. Up to 26 weeks total.
How Paid Parental Leave Works in NZ
New Zealand provides 26 weeks of government-funded paid parental leave (PPL) to eligible parents. The payment is the lesser of your average weekly earnings or the statutory cap ($712.17/week for 2025-26).
Average weekly earnings are calculated based on your income over the 26 or 52 weeks before the expected date of delivery. If you are salaried, this is typically your annual salary divided by 52.
PPL is taxable income. PAYE is deducted at source using your tax code. If you are enrolled in KiwiSaver, employee contributions continue to be deducted from PPL payments. Student loan repayments also apply if your annualised PPL income exceeds the repayment threshold.
After the 26 weeks of paid leave, you can take up to 26 additional weeks of unpaid leave, for a total of up to 52 weeks. Your job is protected during this entire period.
Partner sharing: The primary carer can transfer some or all of their remaining PPL weeks to their partner, who must also meet the eligibility criteria. This allows flexible arrangements for both parents.
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Threshold |
|---|---|
| Minimum hours per week | 10 hours |
| Minimum weeks worked | 26 of last 52 weeks |
| Employment type | Employee or self-employed |
| Who can claim | Birth parent, partner, or adoptive parent |
PPL Weekly Cap by Year
| Tax Year | Weekly Cap | 26-Week Total (Gross) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | $712.17 | $18,516.42 |
| 2024-25 | $661.12 | $17,189.12 |
Frequently asked questions
How much is paid parental leave in NZ?
For the 2025-26 tax year, the maximum weekly PPL payment is $712.17 (gross, before tax). If your average weekly earnings are less than the cap, you receive your actual average. PPL is paid for 26 weeks.
Who is eligible for paid parental leave?
You must have worked an average of at least 10 hours per week for at least 26 of the 52 weeks immediately before the baby's due date (or date of adoption). Both employees and self-employed people can qualify.
Is paid parental leave taxed?
Yes. PPL is taxable income. PAYE is deducted at source based on your tax code. KiwiSaver contributions also continue on PPL income if you are enrolled.
Can I share parental leave with my partner?
Yes. The 26 weeks of PPL can be transferred between eligible partners. The primary carer can transfer some or all of the remaining entitlement to their partner, who must also meet the eligibility criteria.
What about employer top-up?
Some employers voluntarily pay the difference between your normal salary and the PPL amount for a set number of weeks. This is not a legal requirement but is increasingly common. Check your employment agreement.
How long can I take parental leave in total?
Up to 52 weeks in total — 26 weeks of government-funded PPL plus up to 26 weeks of unpaid extended leave. You are entitled to return to your job after taking leave.
What are keep-in-touch days?
You can work up to 64 hours (approximately 8 days) during your PPL period without losing your entitlement. These are called 'keeping in touch' days and allow you to stay connected with your workplace.
Does KiwiSaver continue during parental leave?
Yes. If you are enrolled in KiwiSaver, employee contributions continue to be deducted from your PPL payments at your chosen rate. However, your employer's minimum 3% contribution does not apply to PPL — only to salary/wages paid by your employer.
Do student loan repayments apply to PPL?
Yes. If you have a student loan, repayments of 12% above the annual threshold ($24,128) are deducted from your PPL income, just as they would be from regular employment income.
Sources
Related Calculators
Last updated April 2026. Reflects 2025-26 tax year rates.