You are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave per year in New Zealand once you have worked for the same employer for six months continuously.
How does sick leave work in NZ?
After six months of continuous employment, you receive 10 days of paid sick leave per year. You can carry up to 20 days over if you do not use them all — but you will never accumulate more than 20 days at once. Sick leave resets each year on your entitlement anniversary, not on a calendar-year basis.
Source: Sick leave — Employment New Zealand
Who can you use sick leave for?
Sick leave is not just for when you are unwell. You can also use it when a spouse or partner is sick or injured, or when a dependent child or other person you are responsible for needs your care. Your employer cannot legally require you to use annual leave instead if you are genuinely sick or caring for a dependent.
Can your employer ask for a medical certificate?
Yes — your employer can ask for proof, such as a medical certificate, if you are off sick for three or more consecutive calendar days. They can also ask for one from day one if they have reasonable grounds to do so. If they require a certificate from day one, they must pay for it. Asking without grounds is uncommon but it does happen, so it is worth knowing your rights.
Source: Sick leave — Employment New Zealand
What happens to sick leave if you change jobs?
Sick leave entitlements are tied to each employer relationship. If you resign and start a new job, the six-month clock starts again from your new start date. Any unused sick leave from your previous role does not transfer — it is simply forfeited. This is worth factoring in when you weigh up a job move, especially if you are managing an ongoing health condition.
Key things to know about your sick leave rights
- You qualify after six months of continuous employment with the same employer
- Entitlement is 10 days per year, carrying over up to a maximum of 20 days
- It covers illness or injury for you, your partner, or a dependent
- Your employer cannot force you to take annual leave instead of sick leave when you are genuinely unwell
- A medical certificate can be required from day three of absence (or day one if reasonable grounds exist)
- If your employer requires a certificate from day one, they must cover the cost
- Sick leave does not transfer to a new employer
Source: Sick leave — Employment New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Do I get paid for sick leave in NZ?
Yes. Sick leave is paid at your relevant daily pay or average daily pay. Your employer calculates this based on what you would normally earn for that day, including regular allowances. You do not receive less simply because you are unwell.
What if I run out of sick days?
Once your entitlement is exhausted, any further time off for illness is unpaid unless your employer agrees to advance future sick leave, allows you to use annual leave, or has a separate policy. There is no legal obligation for your employer to pay beyond your entitlement.
Can my employer make me work during my sick leave?
No. If you are genuinely sick or injured — or caring for a sick dependent — your employer cannot require you to attend work. Doing so could constitute a breach of your employment agreement and may give rise to a personal grievance.
Does sick leave apply during the first 6 months?
Not as a legal entitlement. In your first six months you have no statutory sick leave. Some employers offer it earlier as a workplace benefit — check your employment agreement. After six months, the 10-day entitlement kicks in automatically.
What if my employer refuses to accept my sick leave?
If your employer refuses to allow legitimate sick leave or penalises you for using it, you may have grounds to raise a personal grievance. Start by reviewing your employment agreement, then visit Employment New Zealand for guidance.
Source: Personal grievances — Employment New Zealand
If you are weighing up whether your current role is still the right fit — including how your employer treats leave — try the free Should I Stay or Go? tool at findmeajob.co.nz for a quick, honest career health check.
Key takeaways
- Sick leave in NZ is 10 days per year, available after six months of continuous employment with the same employer
- You can carry over unused days up to a maximum balance of 20 days
- Sick leave covers illness or injury affecting you, your partner, or a dependent you care for
- Your employer cannot force you to use annual leave when you are genuinely unwell
- Unused sick leave is forfeited when you leave — it does not carry over to a new employer