NZ Paid Parental Leave Calculator 2026
Calculate your New Zealand Paid Parental Leave payment for the 26-week scheme, including the 2026 maximum weekly rate, self-employed pro-rating, and top-up scenarios.
| 2026 IRD Rates | |
| Maximum Weekly Rate | — |
| Minimum Self-Employed Rate | — |
| Maximum Weeks | — |
| Your Payment | |
| Calculated Weekly Rate | — |
| Weekly Rate (Capped) | — |
| Total over Leave Period | — |
| Total Including Employer Top-Up | — |
New Zealand Paid Parental Leave (PPL) provides 26 weeks of government-funded payments to eligible parents through Inland Revenue (IRD). The 2026 maximum is NZ$754.87/week; the self-employed minimum is NZ$231/week, regardless of business profitability.
2026 PPL Rates and Eligibility
For PPL periods starting between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026, the maximum weekly rate is NZ$754.87. Eligibility requires either (1) 10+ hours per week or 40+ hours per month worked for at least 26 of the 52 weeks immediately before the baby's due date for the same employer, or (2) self-employment activity meeting the same time test. Self-employed parents receive at least the minimum NZ$231/week (source: ird.govt.nz).
Keeping In Touch (KIT) Hours
During PPL, you can perform up to 64 hours of paid 'keeping in touch' work over the leave period without losing PPL eligibility. Employers pay normal rates for these hours; the work is voluntary and cannot start in the first 28 days after birth. Use KIT hours to maintain skills, attend training, or transition back to work.
Employer Top-Up and KiwiSaver
Many employers voluntarily top up PPL to full salary as a competitive benefit. KiwiSaver employer contributions are not required during PPL since the payment is from IRD, not the employer. However, employees can choose to continue their own KiwiSaver contributions via voluntary payments to maintain compounding.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: ird.govt.nz, MSD parental leave.