# Taking parental leave Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/parental-leave/taking-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 Taking parental leave Parental leave Taking parental leave If you’re having a baby or becoming the primary carer of a child under the age of 6, and you meet the work requirements, you can take unpaid parental leave from your job. You may also be able to get parental leave payments from the government. Parental leave Managing parental leave as an employer Taking parental leave Guide for employees Requesting parental leave What happens while on parental leave and your return Types of parental leave If you’re self-employed Guide for employees New parents can take time away from work to care for a newborn baby or a child under 6 coming into their care. This is called parental leave. You must meet certain requirements to be eligible. Requesting parental leave Before you take parental leave, you’ll need to discuss your plans with your employer and put them in writing. What happens while on parental leave and your return You cannot be dismissed from your job for going on parental leave, and your employer must meet certain obligations around keeping your job open for you.