NZ Parental Leave Payment Calculator 2026

New Zealand Paid Parental Leave (PPL) is the IRD-paid weekly entitlement for new parents — biological, adoptive, primary carers, and partners. Maximum 26 weeks at up to NZ$754.87 per week gross (2026 cap). Payment matches your average weekly gross pay up to the cap, with a minimum of NZ$235 per week for eligible self-employed claimants.

Eligibility — Who Qualifies for PPL

To qualify, you must have worked at least 10 hours per week for any 26 of the 52 weeks before the due date OR worked any number of hours in 26 of the 52 weeks. Both biological parents and partners can claim — they can share or alternate weeks. Self-employed earners qualify if they meet the same 26/52 work-history rule. Adopters of children under 6 also qualify. Source: IRD PPL Eligibility.

How Payment Is Calculated

Weekly PPL = lesser of (your average weekly gross pay) or (NZ$754.87 max). For self-employed claimants, minimum payment is NZ$235.00/week even if average earnings were lower. Pay is gross — PAYE tax is deducted by IRD before payout. KiwiSaver, student loan, child support garnishees also continue during PPL. Payments arrive weekly Tuesday.

Keeping-in-Touch (KIT) Hours and Return to Work

Up to 64 KIT hours may be worked during PPL without losing entitlement — useful for team check-ins, training refreshers, or staggered return. Each KIT hour is paid separately by the employer at normal rate. After PPL ends, parents may apply for an additional 26 weeks of unpaid leave (employee-only). Employers must hold the same role open during PPL + unpaid leave unless redundancy is genuine. Source: IRD + Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.