Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987

Payment for parental leave - Preliminary provisions

71B: Overview

You could also call this:

“A simple guide to parental leave payments in New Zealand”

This law explains the parental leave payment system in New Zealand. Here’s what you need to know:

The law starts by explaining what the different parts mean. It tells you who can get parental leave payments. If you’re taking care of a child under 6 years old, you might be able to get these payments.

There are special rules for parents of babies born too early. These parents might get extra money and more time to work a little during their leave.

Sometimes, you can give your payment rights to your partner. But there are some rules about when you can do this.

The law also talks about limits on who can get payments and how to apply for them. It explains how long you can get payments for and how much money you’ll get.

Finally, the law describes how the government manages this payment system.

Remember, this is just a simple guide to help you understand the main points of the law. It doesn’t cover everything in detail.

This text is automatically generated. It might be out of date or be missing some parts. Find out more about how we do this.

This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM121508.

Previous

71AB: Application to members of Armed Forces, or

“How this law applies if you're in the Armed Forces”

Next

71C: Interpretation of this Part, or

“Understanding important words and phrases in the parental leave law”

Part 7A Payment for parental leave
Preliminary provisions

71BOverview

  1. Section 71A and this section are preliminary provisions relating to the parental leave payment scheme.

  2. Sections 71C to 71CD are interpretation provisions for this Part.

  3. Section 71D confers entitlements to parental leave payments on eligible persons who are the primary carers in respect of children under the age of 6 years.

  4. Sections 71DA and 71DB confer entitlements to preterm baby payments on persons who are the primary carers of preterm babies and provide for extended keeping-in-touch hours in respect of those carers.

  5. Sections 71E and 71EA enable eligible persons to transfer their entitlements under section 71D, in certain circumstances, to their spouse or partner.

  6. Sections 71F to 71H contain restrictions on entitlements to parental leave payments.

  7. Sections 71I and 71IA cover the making of an application for payment and provide the department with a discretion to approve irregular applications.

  8. Sections 71J to 71P relate to the duration and amount of parental leave payments.

  9. Sections 71Q to 71ZB relate to the administration of the parental leave payment scheme.

  10. This section is intended only as a guide to the general scheme and effect of this Part.

Notes
  • Section 71B: substituted, on , by section 21 of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Paid Parental Leave for Self-Employed Persons) Amendment Act 2006 (2006 No 20).
  • Section 71B(1): amended, on , by section 50(1) of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 8).
  • Section 71B(3): replaced, on , by section 50(2) of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 8).
  • Section 71B(3A): inserted, on , by section 50(2) of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 8).
  • Section 71B(4): amended, on , by section 50(3) of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 8).
  • Section 71B(4): amended, on , by section 50(4) of the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Amendment Act 2016 (2016 No 8).