Breadcrumb

Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 (1987 No. 129).

Country(ies)

New Zealand

Subjects (Classification)

Maternity protection

Adopted on (Date of text)

1987-07-10

Scope of text

National

Type of legislation (Type of text)

Law, Act

Abstract/Citation

An Act to prescribe minimum entitlements with respect to parental leave for male and female employees and to protect the rights of employees during pregnancy and parental leave, and to repeal the Maternity Leave and Employment Protection Act 1980. Pregnant employees having worked for the same employer at least 10 hours per week for the immediately preceding 12 months are entitled to a maximum of 14 weeks of leave (Part I). Paternity leave of a maximum of 2 weeks is guaranteed to male employees who meet certain conditions (Part II). Extended leave of up to 52 weeks is also available for either parent or may be shared between them (see Part III for details). Part IV of the Act governs requirements concerning notice and Part V concerns rights and obligations after commencement of parental leave. Dismissal by reason of pregnancy or parental leave is prohibited (Part VI); Part VII outlines the remedies available to employees alleging dismissal in contravention of the Act. Part VII (Miscellaneous Provisions) addresses, inter alia, the relationship of the Act to awards or agreements registered by the Arbitration Commission. Entry into force 1 Oct. 1987.