Holidays and leave
Bereavement leave
First refer to the employee’s employment agreement because they can give additional benefits. Contact NZSTA if in doubt.
Employment agreements – Ministry of Education
Core entitlements
Employees who are eligible for sickness leave are also eligible for bereavement leave.
Employees are entitled to up to 3 days of bereavement leave in the event of the death of their:
– spouse or partner
– parent
– child
– brother or sister
– grandparent
– grandchild
– spouse or partner's parent.
Employees are entitled to 1 day of bereavement leave in the event of the death of any person that the employer accepts has caused bereavement to the employee, taking into account:
– the closeness of association between the employer and the person
– whether the employee has to take significant responsibility for funeral arrangements; and/or
– any cultural responsibilities of the employee.
If multiple bereavements occur at the same time then the employee may take the amount of time specified for each bereavement.
Holidays Act 2003, section 69 – Legislation website
See also:
Bereavement leave – Employment New Zealand
Updated: June 2017
