Your 2025 Guide on Parental Support for NZ & AU

Posted on July 10, 2025

More time, more support: What’s new for parents in NZ & Australia in 2025

This year brings significant expansions in parental leave support across New Zealand and Australia, more paid leave, superannuation contributions, and flexibility for families planning their next chapter.

NEW ZEALAND

Paid leave extended to 26 weeks
From mid‑2025, eligible parents can receive up to 26 weeks (approximately 6 months) of paid parental leave from Inland Revenue, or until returning to work early.
Weekly payment cap increased
Effective 1 July, the maximum weekly payment rises to NZ$788.66 (up from NZ$754.87), with the self-employed minimum increasing slightly as well.
Job protection & KIT days
Returning parents can expect to return to their same/similar roles, with support for keeping-in-touch (KIT) days during leave.

AUSTRALIA

120 days paid parental leave
From 1 July 2025, the government scheme increases to 120 payable days (24 weeks) for births or adoptions, rising again to 130 days (26 weeks) in mid‑2026.
Superannuation contributions start
Beginning July 2025, parents will receive 12% super contributions on their paid leave,including up to an additional ~$4,000 in retirement savings per parental leave period.
Flexible leave options
Shared parental leave allows partners to access both paid (first payer may share) and up to 8 extra weeks unpaid; employer top‑ups and additional leave may apply.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR FAMILIES?

Benefit	New Zealand	Australia
Paid Parental Leave	26 weeks of paid parental leave (from IRD) available to eligible primary carers.	24 weeks of paid leave from July 2025, increasing to 26 weeks in 2026.
Payment Amount	Up to NZ$788.66 per week (pre-tax, capped).	Paid at the national minimum wage, with possible employer top-ups.
Superannuation / Retirement Contribution	Optional KiwiSaver contributions during leave (voluntary).	12% super contributions on paid leave starting July 2025.
Partner Leave	Up to 2 weeks unpaid partner leave; shared paid leave not yet available.	Partners can share paid leave + access up to 8 additional unpaid weeks.
Job Protection	Yes – right to return to the same or similar job.	Yes – protected under the Fair Work Act.
Flexibility	Keep-in-touch (KIT) days supported during leave.	Flexible leave blocks available + shared caregiving options.

Together, these reforms give families more time, financial security, and flexibility during the crucial first months of parenting.

If you're expecting a baby or welcoming a child in 2025, it's a great time to plan your leave with both longer paid time and newly introduced retirement contributions. Talk to your employer about KIT days, super contributions (AU), and rights under job protection laws.

Sources:

https://www.employment.govt.nz/pay-and-hours/pay-and-wages/leave-and-holiday-pay/parental-leave-payments

https://ministers.pmc.gov.au/gallagher/2024/more-paid-parental-leave-australian-families-ever

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/increases-paid-parental-leave-rates-help-families

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/about-paid-parental-leave-scheme