# Parental leave Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/leave-and-holidays/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 Leave and holidays Parental leave Employees may be able to take leave from work to care for their new child. Leave and holidays Public holidays Annual holidays Sick leave Bereavement leave Parental leave Managing parental leave as an employer Taking parental leave Types of parental leave If you’re self-employed Family violence leave Jury service leave Employment Relations Education leave Time off to vote Defence force volunteers Other types of leave Managing parental leave as an employer As an employer, you need to know your parental leave obligations, how to support employees taking parental leave – and how to manage the impacts to your business while you have employees on parental leave. When an employee requests parental leave Parental leave in your workplace policies Covering parental leave and employees returning to work 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. Guide for employees Requesting parental leave What happens while on parental leave and your return 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. Primary carer leave Partner's leave Extended leave Negotiated carer leave If you’re self-employed Find out about parental leave and parental leave payments when you’re self-employed.