Fatherhood Resources: New Zealand

Official paid parental leave guidance, Plunket support, and verified resources for fathers across Aotearoa New Zealand.

26 weeks

Paid Parental Leave

For eligible primary carers

Up to 2 weeks

Partner Leave

Unpaid, for partners of primary carer

Up to $754/week

PPL Payment Rate

Capped at minimum wage equivalent

Verified Resources for NZ Dads

Inland Revenue: Paid Parental Leave

GovernmentNew Zealand

Official New Zealand government guide to Paid Parental Leave payments. Up to 26 weeks of government-funded payments for eligible primary carers, administered by Inland Revenue.

Employment New Zealand: Parental Leave

GovernmentNew Zealand

Official guide to parental leave entitlements under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987, including partner/paternity leave, primary carer leave, and keeping-in-touch days.

Great Fathers NZ

OrganisationNew Zealand

New Zealand organisation dedicated to supporting fathers and promoting positive fatherhood. Resources on parental leave, bonding, and being an engaged dad in Aotearoa.

Plunket: Dads and Partners

HealthNew Zealand

Plunket Society resources specifically for dads and partners, covering the transition to parenthood, bonding, and supporting your partner. Plunket is New Zealand's largest provider of well child health services.

Mental Health Foundation NZ

Mental HealthNew Zealand

New Zealand's leading mental health charity. Resources for fathers on depression, anxiety, and wellbeing, plus a directory of mental health services across Aotearoa.

Need to Talk? (1737)

HelplineNew Zealand

Free 24/7 mental health support line. Text or call 1737 to talk with a trained counsellor. Available to all New Zealanders including fathers in distress.

Citizens Advice Bureau NZ

Legal AidNew Zealand

Free, confidential advice on parental leave rights, custody, child support, and family law in New Zealand. Walk-in centres across the country.

Key facts for New Zealand fathers

  • •New Zealand's Paid Parental Leave is available to the "primary carer" — this can be the father if he takes on the primary caring role, with the leave transferred from the mother.
  • •Partners of the primary carer are entitled to up to 2 weeks of unpaid partner leave under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987.
  • •To qualify for Paid Parental Leave, you must have worked for the same employer for at least 6 months, averaging at least 10 hours per week.
  • •Plunket Well Child services are free for all New Zealand children from birth to 5 years. Plunket nurses actively support fathers and partners, not just mothers.
  • •Text or call 1737 any time, day or night, for free mental health support. No referral needed.
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