Sick leave

Sick Leave in New Zealand

New Zealand's sick leave entitlement grants eligible employees 10 days of paid sick leave each year. This leave covers absences needed to care for the employee's own health, their partner's health, their children's health, or other dependants. Employees may use sick leave when they are unfit for work due to illness or injury, or when they need to provide care or support to a family member or dependant who is ill, injured, or requires medical attention.

The sick leave entitlement is governed by the Employment Relations Act 2000 and the Holidays Act 2003, with guidance provided by Employment New Zealand, the government agency responsible for employment standards and workplace relations.

Employers must provide paid sick leave to all eligible employees. The 10 days accrue annually and are separate from annual leave and bereavement leave entitlements. Employees are not required to provide a medical certificate for absences of one to three days, though employers may request one for longer absences or if a pattern emerges. Employees should notify their employer as soon as practicable when taking sick leave, following the employer's notification procedures.

Payroll teams must track sick leave usage separately from other leave types and ensure employees receive their full 10-day entitlement each year. Unused sick leave does not automatically carry over to the following year unless the employment agreement specifies otherwise. Employers should maintain clear records of sick leave taken and communicate their sick leave policy to employees to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.