Holidays and leave
Employee entitlements
School employees have individual or collective employment agreements that specify their leave and holiday entitlements. This section outlines minimum requirements under the Holidays Act.
Contact NZSTA or Employment New Zealand if in doubt.
Holidays Act 2003 – minimum requirement
The purpose of the Holidays Act 2003 is to promote balance between work and other aspects of employees' lives with minimum entitlements to:
– Annual holidays
– Public holidays
– Sick leave
– Bereavement leave
– Family violence leave
Employment agreements can provide more than what is provided for in the Act.
Holidays Act 2003 – Legislation website
After the end of 12 months continuous employment, any employee is entitled to not less than 4 weeks paid annual holidays. The 12 month period does not include unpaid leave unless agreed by the employer and employee, and the entitlement to annual holidays remains in force until the entitlements are taken or paid out.
Updated: June 2020
