How many days of annual leave do I get in New Zealand? Can I take leave in my first few months?
You get at least 4 weeks of paid annual leave after 12 months of continuous work for the same employer. Before 12 months, you can take leave in advance only if your employer agrees, and your employer can say no. Annual leave does not build up day by day. You get the full 4 weeks at once after 12 months.
Official figures
- Annual holidays
- At least 4 weeks of paid annual leave for every 12 months of continuous work1
- How annual leave is taken
- Your employer must let you take at least 2 weeks in one block, and must let you take your leave within 12 months of getting it. If you and your employer cannot agree, your employer can require you to take annual leave, but must give you at least 14 days' notice1
- Cashing up annual leave
- If your employer agrees, you can exchange up to 1 week of annual leave for cash each year1
- Pay-as-you-go holiday pay
- Only for fixed-term agreements of less than 12 months, or for people whose work is so irregular that it is not practical to give them annual leave. You and your employer can agree that at least 8% of your total earnings is paid with your regular pay1
- Sick leave
- 10 days of paid sick leave each year. Unused days can be carried over, up to a maximum of 20 days2
Official sources
- Taking annual holidaysEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- Taking sick leaveEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- Public holidays rights for employeesEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
- Public holidays and anniversary datesEmployment New Zealand (MBIE) · employment.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Annual leave, sick leave and public holidays →
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Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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