# Hours and breaks Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/pay-and-hours/hours-and-breaks 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 Pay and hours Hours and breaks Pay and hours Hours and breaks Learn about the rules for setting and changing work hours, and what breaks employees are entitled to. Pay and hours Pay and wages Hours and breaks Hours of work Rest and breaks Rostering Working overtime or extra shifts Hours of work An employee’s hours of work must be agreed to by the employer and employee in a written employment agreement. Rest and breaks Employees must be paid rest and unpaid meal breaks. The number and duration will depend on the hours worked. Women who breastfeed or express milk can have extra breaks and facilities where practical. Rostering A good employee roster does not just record employee hours and job duties; it is a business tool to help employers meet customer demand and their business targets. Working overtime or extra shifts Many employees receive payment if their employer asks them to work more than their normal hours.