Not returning to your job from parental leave

You can decide to leave your job and resign at any time while you’re on parental leave. You just need to give the correct notice and it may affect any holiday pay you’re due.

Give notice to your employer

If you decide not to return to your job, you must give at least 21 days’ notice before your parental leave ends.

Check your employment agreement to see how much notice you must give when you put your resignation in. If your agreement says more than 21 days, then you must give that amount of notice.

Example of required notice period

If your employment agreement says you have to give 4 weeks’ notice, then you need to put your resignation in at least 4 weeks before you’re due to return to work from your parental leave.

You and your employer can agree to a shorter notice period.

The Employment New Zealand website has more information about not returning to work.

If you decide not to go back to work

When your job ends

Your job ends on the day you started your parental leave — not the day you put your resignation in or when your notice period ends. 

If you have any queries, contact Employment New Zealand.

Holiday pay

You’ll only get paid for leave you were due up to the date you started your parental leave.

Payment for leave and holidays in final pay — Employment New Zealand

Parental leave payments

If you decide not to go back to work while you’re still getting parental leave payments from the government, you’ll continue to receive the payments.

Returning to work — Employment New Zealand

Who to contact for more help

If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.

Utility links and page information

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