Is partner's leave paid in New Zealand?

No. There is no statutory payment, but your employer may pay.

Can I start before the birth?

Yes, normally from 21 days before the due date.

Do we have to be married?

No. Civil-union and de facto partners also qualify.

What if my baby stays in hospital?

You may start leave on the day the baby is discharged.

Paternity Leave in New Zealand

Fathers and partners in New Zealand can take 1 or 2 weeks of unpaid partner's leave around the birth.

Last updated: 13 November 2026

Country / Region

1 or 2 weeks of unpaid partner's leave, depending on 6 or 12 months of service.

Source: Employment New Zealand – Partner's leave

Employment Type

Leave Calculation Method

Expected Baby Due Date

Planned Leave Start Date (optional)

Defaults to the due date.

Employer-Provided Leave

Work Schedule

Pay Estimate (optional)

Add your salary to see how much you'll be paid during your leave. Leave it empty to calculate dates only.

Gross Salary (NZ$)

Pay Frequency

Government / statutory pay per week (if any)

Pay rules for New Zealand aren't built in yet — enter the weekly amount from your country guide or benefits office.

Employer Pays (% of salary)

For How Many Weeks

Your results will appear here

Fill in your details and press calculate to see your leave dates, notice deadlines and pay estimate.

New Zealand paternity leave at a glance

An eligible employed father or partner gets 1 or 2 weeks of unpaid partner's leave around the birth.

Leave length: 1 week after 6 months' employment; 2 weeks after 12 months.
When to take it: Normally between 21 days before the due date and 21 days after the birth, or from the date the baby leaves hospital.
Pay: Unpaid. Employers may choose to pay.
Who qualifies: Continuous work for the same employer, averaging at least 10 hours a week, for the 6 or 12 months before the due date. You must be the primary carer's spouse, civil-union or de facto partner.
Self-employed fathers: Partner's leave is an employee right; self-employed partners are not covered.

Parental leave on top of paternity leave

Parents may share longer parental leave of up to 26 or 52 weeks, with separate parental leave payments for up to 26 weeks.

Good to know

The calculator uses the 2-week entitlement.

Legal entitlement vs employer benefits

The rules above are the legal minimum in New Zealand. Many employers offer extra paid days or top up statutory pay. Add any employer leave in the calculator above to see your real return-to-work date, and confirm the details with your HR team. To compare pay over the weeks you take off, try the paternity pay calculator.

Other country guides

Singapore4 weeks

Official sources

Frequently asked questions

Editorial note: we summarise official government guidance and link to it. Laws change — always confirm your entitlement with your employer or the relevant authority. This page is not legal advice.