Parental Leave Notice Letter NZ – Free Template (3 Months’ Notice)
Use this free parental leave letter NZ (New Zealand): fill it in online, download it as Word or PDF, and follow our step-by-step guide – where to send it, whether it needs notarizing, what to attach and mistakes to avoid.
| Country | 🇳🇿 New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Document type | Jobs & HR |
| Format | Word, PDF & fill in online |
| Cost | Free |
| Time to complete | about 5 minutes |
| Notarization | Not required |
What is this letter for?
To take parental leave in New Zealand, you must give your employer written notice at least three months before the expected due date (or date of assuming care), with a certificate from a doctor or midwife. Paid parental leave is applied for separately through Inland Revenue.
Where do you send it?
Give it to your employer in writing, with the certificate.
Does it need to be notarized?
Not required. No witness or JP is needed: sign the letter yourself (an email is usually fine) and keep proof of when it was sent.
What you need before you start
- Expected due date
- Leave start and end dates
- Medical or midwife certificate
How to use this template
- Click each yellow field inside the letter and type your details directly (Enter jumps to the next field).
- Read the text through; the “Edit” button lets you change any sentence.
- Click “Word”, “PDF” or “Copy”, then sign and send.
Free template : parental leave letter NZ
Your full name
Street address
Suburb, City Postcode
Phone | Email
Today’s date
Manager name
Company name
Company address
Re: Notice of parental leave
Dear Recipient name,
I am writing to give notice that I intend to take parental leave. My baby is due on Due date, and I attach a certificate from my doctor / midwife.
I plan to take primary carer leave from Start date to End date and extended leave until Date.
Optional: My partner, Name, will also be taking leave.
Please confirm my entitlement in writing.
Kind regards,
Your full name
⚠️ Disclaimer: this template is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Always check the requirements of the organization you are writing to before sending it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Notice too late.
- ❌ No medical certificate.
- ❌ Forgetting to apply to IRD for payments.
Tips before you send it
- Give at least three months’ notice.
- Attach the certificate.
- Apply for parental leave payments through IRD.
Frequently asked questions
When do I need to tell my employer?
At least three months before the expected due date.
Is my job protected?
Generally yes; your employer must keep your job open unless it is a key position or redundancy applies.
Where do I send this letter (parental leave letter NZ)?
Give it to your employer in writing, with the certificate.
Does this letter (parental leave letter NZ) need to be notarized?
Not required – No witness or JP is needed: sign the letter yourself (an email is usually fine) and keep proof of when it was sent.