Everyone
Suggested preparation for Employment Leave Act changes
The Employment Leave Act starts on 6 August 2028, 2 years after it passed into law. This gives employers and employees 2 years to prepare. Our planning guide shows when you can plan, prepare and take action before the new law starts.
About our planning guide
Use our planning guide to find out when you may need to start:
- learning about the changes
- reviewing current arrangements
- making decisions, or
- taking action.
It is intended as a planning guide only and does not reflect every situation or requirement.
The dates are indicative only and may not apply to everyone. It will depend on the circumstances of each employer, employee or representative. If you are unsure what the changes mean for you, contact your payroll provider, employer, union, representative or business association for advice.
Timing for collective bargaining
There are timing rules for collective bargaining set out in the Employment Relations Act 2000. Find out when and how bargaining can start:
Planning guide for employers
August 2026 to October 2026
- Learn about the changes, noting the Holidays Act still applies.
November 2026 to January 2027
- Identify employment agreements, collective agreements and workplace policies and processes that may require updating.
February 2027 to July 2027
- Plan when to update employment agreements, collective agreements, payroll related systems, workplace policies and processes.
- Review payroll and employment data to identify gaps/entitlements that may affect implementation and leave conversion.
August 2027 to February 2028
- Begin updating agreements, bargaining and updating workplace policies and processes.
March 2028 to July 2028
- Complete agreement updates, policy and process changes and implementation.
August 2028
- Operate under the new Employment Leave Act, including new record-keeping requirements.
Planning guide for employees
August 2026 to October 2026
- Learn about the changes, noting the Holidays Act still applies.
November 2026 to January 2027
- Understand how the changes could affect you and where to find information.
February 2027 to July 2027
- Prepare for discussions about your agreement, leave entitlements and leave balances.
August 2027 to February 2028
- Participate in discussions about changes that may affect your employment arrangements and leave entitlements.
March 2028 to July 2028
- Know what's happening and where to get support and information.
August 2028
- Understand and access your new leave entitlements under the Employment Leave Act.