Higher paid parental leave payments come after movement in average weekly earnings
Parents who are taking time off from work to take care of their newborns will receive a higher maximum payment of $811.05 a week starting July 1.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the increase on Thursday, which is legislated under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987.
The maximum weekly paid parental leave rate will go up to $811.05 per week from $788.66, in line with the movement in average weekly earnings.
Self-employed parents will also see the minimum paid parental leave rate increase to $239.50 per week, up from the previous $235.00.
Van Velden said eligible parents can count on the financial support for up to 26 weeks when taking leave from their job.
"The first weeks after the arrival of a new baby are incredibly special, and crucial for parents being able to bond with their child," she said in a statement.
Parents who have suffered a miscarriage or stillbirth are also eligible for the payments, according to the minister, to give them time to rest and recover.
"I also recognise that this time will look different depending on a person's circumstances, and our paid parental leave scheme accounts for that," she said.
The maximum rate of paid parental leave payments goes up annually to reflect the increase in average ordinary time weekly earnings. The recent hike comes after New Zealand's minimum wage went up to $23.95 in April 2026.
