Government raises paid parental leave rates to $788.66 weekly
Employees across New Zealand who are taking paid parental leave will receive higher maximum weekly payments of $788.66, according to Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden.
The increase will take effect starting July 1, raising the previous $754.87 weekly rate of paid parental leave.
The hike is part of the legislated annual increase under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987.
Under the law, self-employed parents will also see their maximum weekly rate of paid parental leave increase to $235, up from $231.50.
Eligible parents can receive payments for up to 26 weeks.
"Paid parental leave is one way the Government can help ease the pressure of cost of living for families when they are away from work caring for children," van Velden said in a statement.
According to the minister, the scheme will also apply to parents who have experienced miscarriage or stillbirth, as well as women who have acted as surrogates.
"This will look different for different families, so whether you have just given birth, adopted, or had a child born through surrogacy, the scheme is there to support you and your family," she added.
New Zealand's Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 states that eligible parents are entitled to payments equal to their normal pay up to the current maximum rate, which is adjusted annually to account for increases in average weekly earnings.
