All About Offering Employee Benefits in New Zealand
Hire the best talent in New Zealand with the information you need to offer a competitive benefits package and stay compliant.
Required Benefits in New Zealand
Employees in New Zealand are entitled to a range of statutory benefits, including various paid leave, government-funded healthcare, retirement, and more. Justworks EOR helps you deliver locally compliant benefits that help you stand out as an employer.
Social Security
New Zealand’s version of social security is funded through income tax, which provides healthcare, retirement, unemployment, and more.Â
Employers are required to contribute to KiwiSaver, if the employee is enrolled. The minimum contribution for employees is 3% of their earnings. The minimum requirement for employers is 3% of the employee’s gross wages. This will increase to 3.5% in April of 2026 and to 4% in April of 2028.Â
Both employers and employees must pay ACC levies towards workers' compensation. Employees pay the Earners’ levy, and employers pay the Work levy and the Working Safer levy.
Time Off
Employees receive at least four weeks of paid annual leave after one year of service and 11 paid public holidays. Employers must offer at least 10 days of annual paid sick leave and bereavement leave. Employees may also be eligible for parental and family violence leave.
Offer Competitive Benefits
Going beyond the legal minimum can help you attract and retain top talent in New Zealand’s competitive hiring landscape.
Private Health Insurance
While public healthcare is accessible to all residents, many employers offer supplemental private health insurance. It’s a valued perk that can shorten wait times and expand access to additional care.
Wellness & Lifestyle Benefits
Some employers offer stipends for fitness, wellness programs, or mental health services, especially as more teams work remotely across time zones.
Learning & Development
Supporting upskilling and professional growth is a key retention strategy. Many New Zealand companies provide training budgets, continuing education support, or reimbursement for job-related certifications.
Ready to Offer Benefits in New Zealand?
Justworks makes building your global team seamless by helping you access localized support to attract top talent in New Zealand. Simplify international hiring today.
