# Types of parental leave Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/parental-leave/types-of-parental-leave Scanned: 2026-06-07T03:31:31.402Z Use this as a current official guidance reference, not as a substitute for legal advice. ## Page Text Home Leave and holidays Parental leave Types of parental leave Parental leave Types of parental leave There are 4 main types of parental leave — primary carer leave, partner’s leave, extended leave, and negotiated carer leave. The type an employee can take will depend on their circumstances. Parental leave Managing parental leave as an employer Taking parental leave Types of parental leave Primary carer leave Partner's leave Extended leave Negotiated carer leave If you’re self-employed Primary carer leave Leave for primary carers is available to employees who are primary carer of a child. They may also be eligible for parental leave payments while on primary carer leave. Partner's leave An employee may be eligible to take up to 2 weeks unpaid partner’s leave to support their spouse or partner who is pregnant or taking primary care of a child under the age of six. Extended leave Extended leave is a period of extra unpaid parental leave usually taken after primary carer leave ends. This allows employees to take up to a year off to spend with their child. Negotiated carer leave Negotiated carer leave is leave that employees can negotiate and agree with their employer if they do not qualify for primary carer leave.