Bereavement Leave Guide for NZ Employers

Bereavement leave is paid time off work when an employee loses a loved one. In New Zealand, this leave is a legal entitlement under the Holidays Act 2003. It gives people space to grieve, attend tangi or funerals, and support whānau during a difficult time.

For employers, bereavement leave matters because it shows care and respect for staff wellbeing. It also ensures businesses stay compliant with NZ employment law. Having clear policies in place helps avoid confusion and ensures employees feel supported when they need it most.

In this guide you’ll learn:

• What bereavement leave means in NZ law
• Who is eligible for bereavement leave and how much time they get
• How pay works for bereavement leave
• Special cases like miscarriage and grandparents
• Tips for handling bereavement leave as an employer

What Is Bereavement Leave in NZ?

Bereavement leave means employees can take time off work after the death of a close family member or someone they had a strong relationship with. It covers time to grieve, attend a funeral, or take part in cultural practices like a tangihanga in Māori communities.

Under New Zealand law, bereavement leave entitlement is separate from annual leave and sick leave. Employers cannot ask staff to use annual leave instead.
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Bereavement Leave Entitlement NZ

The Employment New Zealand website outlines the minimum entitlements. Employees who have worked for their employer for six months continuously, or for an average of 10 hours per week across six months, qualify. This is sometimes called bereavement leave eligibility.

Here is the entitlement:

• 3 days paid leave for the death of a close family member: spouse or partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or the parent of a spouse or partner.
• 1 day paid leave if the death is not an immediate family member but the employer accepts there is a close connection. For example, bereavement leave for an uncle or aunty may apply if the relationship was significant.

Bereavement Leave Pay

Bereavement leave is paid. Employees should receive their relevant daily pay or average daily pay for the days they take. This means they are not financially disadvantaged while taking time off to grieve.

It is not treated as leave without pay unless the employee has no entitlement yet.
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Special Situations

Bereavement Leave for Grandparent

Grandparents are covered under the law. An employee can take three days of paid bereavement leave for the death of a grandparent.
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Miscarriage Bereavement Leave

Since 2021, employees are entitled to three days of paid leave for a miscarriage or stillbirth. This applies whether it happened to the employee, their partner, or even a surrogate mother.
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Bereavement Leave for Uncle or Aunty

The law allows one day of leave if the employer agrees the relationship was close. Many businesses in Auckland have shared stories of staff needing leave for uncles, aunties, or even close family friends who played a key role in their lives. Being flexible in these cases can build trust and loyalty.
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How Many Days Bereavement Leave Employees Can Take

The standard entitlement is three days for close family members and one day for others, but employers can always give more if they choose. Many businesses do, especially where cultural expectations like tangi mean several days are needed. 

Can Bereavement Leave Be Denied?

If an employee qualifies under the law, bereavement leave cannot be denied. Employers may only refuse if the person does not meet the eligibility criteria yet. In that case, employees may ask for leave without pay or use annual leave.

Why Bereavement Leave Matters for NZ Employers

Bereavement leave is about more than compliance. Supporting staff through grief can strengthen workplace culture. We’ve seen Auckland employers who offered extra days during a funeral in Māori communities. Staff returned to work grateful and more engaged, knowing their employer respected their whānau responsibilities.
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Key Takeaways for Employers

• Bereavement leave in NZ is a legal entitlement under the Holidays Act.
• Employees get three days for close family and one day for others.
• Miscarriage bereavement leave provides three days paid leave.
• Pay must be at relevant daily pay or average daily pay.
• Employers cannot deny bereavement leave if eligibility is met.
• Flexibility and empathy strengthen workplace culture.

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