Paid parental leave is set to increase from 18 weeks to 22 weeks from 1 July 2018.

The number of "keeping in touch days" is also set to increase. From 1 July 2018, when paid parental leave is increased to 22 weeks, an employee will be able to work up to 52 hours without losing their entitlement during the period of paid parental leave.

Although parental leave payments are administered by the IRD, employers should ensure that their policies and/or information sheets are updated to reflect the changes.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.