NZ FAQs
      Back to home
      1. MyHR Knowledge Base
      2. NZ FAQs

      The Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Act

      Changes to employee sick leave entitlements under the Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Act.

      What is the Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Act?

      The Act is an amendment to the Holidays Act 2003 that increases employees’ entitlement to sick leave.

      The Act aims to "better NZ enable employees to access sick leave when they are sick or injured, or when their spouse or partner or someone who depends on them for care is sick or injured."

      The Act was granted Royal Assent on 24 May and will come into effect from 24 July 2021. 

      What the Act means for employers

      • Sick leave entitlement increases to 10 days a year (from 5 days).
      • The amount of sick leave that can be carried over is reduced to 10 days (from 15 days).
      • The amount of unused sick leave that can be accumulated is unchanged at 20 days.

      What the Act means for employees

      Existing employees

      • From their next sick leave anniversary date, existing employees will become entitled to 10 days sick leave instead of 5.

      New Employees / Employees who aren't yet entitled to sick leave 

      • Once they reach the 6-month sick leave threshold, they will be entitled to 10 days sick leave.

      Further information