Sick pay in New Zealand (2026)
Last reviewed: 7 November 2026
In short: Employers pay 10 days of sick leave a year to eligible employees, after 6 months of continuous employment. Unused days carry over up to 20 days. The employer can ask for a medical certificate, at the employee’s cost from the third day in a row.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Who pays sick payBeing ill and unable to work | The employer pays. Eligible employees are entitled to paid sick leave under the Holidays Act 2003. [1] |
| Sick pay rateBeing ill and unable to work | Sick leave is paid only for a day the employee would otherwise have worked. It is paid at relevant daily pay, the amount the employee would have been paid for that day, or at average daily pay where that applies. [2] |
| Maximum durationBeing ill and unable to work | 10 days of sick leave each year. Unused days carry over, up to a maximum of 20 days, unless the employer agrees to more. The entitlement is not pro-rated for part-time employees. [1] |
| Waiting daysBeing ill and unable to work | An employee qualifies after 6 months of continuous employment, or after 6 months averaging 10 hours a week with at least 1 hour every week or 40 hours every month. [1] |
| Medical certificateBeing ill and unable to work | The employer can ask for proof of sickness or injury, usually a medical certificate. If the employee has been sick for 3 or more days in a row, the employer can ask for proof on or after the third day and the employee pays the cost. If asked earlier, the employer pays. [1] |
Notes
- The Employment Leave Act is to replace the Holidays Act in August 2028. The Holidays Act rules apply until then.
Sources
- Employment New Zealand (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment): Managing sick leave (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
- Employment New Zealand (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment): Pay for sick, bereavement and family violence leave (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.