Before returning to work

You have to give at least 21 days’ notice in writing to your employer:

• before you return to work — even if you’re returning on your agreed start date
• if you decide to return to work early.

The Employment New Zealand website has more information about returning to work after parental leave.

What happens while on parental leave and your return — Employment NZ

Working while you’re on parental leave

If your employer agrees, you can choose to perform work from time to time while on parental leave. These are called keeping in touch days and rules apply.

Keeping in touch with work — Employment NZ

Workplace facilities and arrangements

Breastfeeding

Your employer needs to provide a place for you to breastfeed or express milk. Check your workplace policy for whether these breaks are paid or unpaid.

• Breastfeeding at work — Employment NZ
• Code of Employment Practice on Infant Feeding — Employment NZ (PDF 271 KB)
• Breastfeeding in the Workplace – A Guide for Employers — Employment NZ (PDF 370 KB)

Flexible working

You can ask your employer to consider changes to your work arrangements such as hours, days or place of work.

Flexible working — Employment NZ

Resolve a problem with work or a redundancy

Employment New Zealand has information on how to sort out problems with parental leave requests or losing your job through redundancy.

If you have a problem with parental leave — Employment NZ

Help with costs of having a baby

Use the SmartStart website’s financial help checker to find out what you may be eligible for from Inland Revenue and Work and Income.

Financial help checker

The Work and Income website has more information about help with the costs of having a baby, such as car seat and breast pump hire, and childcare.

• Help with costs for a baby
• Childcare