The amount paid to parents of new-borns taking time off from work to care for their children will increase from July 1.
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced the maximum weekly paid parental leave rate would go up from $788.66 to $811.05 per week in line with movement in average weekly earnings.
The increase was a legislated annual increase under the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987, adjusted annually to account for increases to average ordinary time weekly earnings.
The minimum paid parental leave rate for self-employed people would also increase to $239.50 per week from $235 to reflect the increase to the minimum wage which took effect earlier this year.
Van Velden said the first weeks after a baby was born were "crucial for parents being able to bond with their child".
"Eligible parents can count on this valuable financial support for up to 26 weeks when taking leave from their job to care for their new child," she said.
“I also recognise that this time will look different depending on a person’s circumstances, and our paid parental leave scheme accounts for that.
“While this most often applies to parents with a newborn, it also applies to those who have suffered miscarriage or stillbirth to allow time away for rest and recovery in these difficult situations.
She said support was also available to those who have adopted, or had a child born through surrogacy.
"As an expectant mother myself, I give my congratulations to every Kiwi awaiting the arrival of their baby and wish them a speedy recovery and special time with their baby in the months ahead.”
For more information about parental leave including eligibility, payments and returning to work visit the Employment New Zealand website.
SHARE ME