When are the paid parental leave payments going up?
The maximum rate for employees and self-employed parents is adjusted on 1 July each year to reflect any increase in average weekly earnings.
The minimum rate for self-employed parents is also adjusted on 1 July each year and is equivalent to 10 hours' work at the highest rate of minimum wage that applies under the Minimum Wage Act 1983 at that date.
The adjustments are determined under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 using as determined by Statistics New Zealand's Quarterly Employment Survey.
On 1 July 2009, the maximum payment increases from $407.36 per week to $429.74 per week, so employees and self-employed parents will be entitled to either their gross weekly rate of pay or $429.74, whichever is lower.
If self-employed parents make a loss or earn less than the equivalent of 10 hours pay at the highest rate of minimum wage, they will receive the minimum rate of $125. These rates will only apply to payments that are due on or after the 1st of July.
More information on parental leave eligibility criteria
More information on how to apply for paid parental leave
Date Modified: Monday, November 02, 2009
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