Wellington Paid Sick Leave - City Bylaw Guide

Labor and Employment Wellington Region 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 12, 2026 Flag of Wellington Region

In Wellington, Wellington Region, paid sick leave entitlements are set by national employment law rather than a city bylaw. This article explains how workers and employers in Wellington should document sick leave, where responsibility sits, and which national agencies enforce entitlements and disputes.

Check your employment agreement first for any enhanced sick leave terms.

Governing law and municipal role

There is no separate Wellington City bylaw that creates or alters paid sick leave entitlement; entitlements and employer obligations are explained on central government employment pages for New Zealand. See the national guidance for statutory entitlements and employer duties Employment New Zealand - Sick leave and pay[1].

Documentation basics

  • Keep written records of date and hours away, reason for absence, and any evidence provided by the employee.
  • Ask for medical certificates or other evidence only where your employment agreement allows or where it is reasonable.
  • Store records securely and retain them in line with payroll and employment record requirements.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of paid sick leave obligations and disputes about entitlement, payment or unlawful deductions are handled at national level by agencies and the employment tribunal system rather than by Wellington bylaws. The national guidance and enforcement pathways are set out by Employment New Zealand and the Employment Relations Authority Employment Relations Authority[2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to pay arrears, remediation directions, and other remedies available through the Employment Relations Authority or court processes.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Employment New Zealand and the Employment Relations Authority handle disputes and enforcement; contact details are on their official pages.
  • Appeals and review: review and appeals follow statutory tribunal routes; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences and discretion: employers may rely on lawful business defences or permitted deductions where the statute or agreement allows; specifics depend on the claim and are determined by the tribunal.
  • Common violations: unpaid sick leave, unlawful deductions from wages, refusal to accept valid medical evidence; penalties vary and are addressed by the tribunal.
If an employer refuses payment or unlawfully deducts pay, raise the issue promptly with Employment New Zealand or the Employment Relations Authority.

Applications & Forms

There is no standard Wellington City form for sick leave claims; individual payroll, payroll dispute forms or tribunal application forms are handled by national agencies. For guidance on raising problems, the Employment New Zealand site explains how to resolve unpaid leave and related disputes, and the ERA site details tribunal procedures.

How-To

  1. Check your employment agreement for any contractual sick leave terms that are more generous than statutory minimums.
  2. Notify your employer as soon as possible about the sick leave and provide the required evidence if asked by the employer.
  3. Keep copies of all communications and supporting evidence such as medical certificates and payroll records.
  4. If payment is withheld, follow the steps on Employment New Zealand to raise the problem and consider filing with the Employment Relations Authority.
Keep dated records and copies of any evidence you provide or receive.

FAQ

Does Wellington City have its own paid sick leave bylaw?
No. Paid sick leave entitlements are governed by national employment law and not by a Wellington city bylaw; see Employment New Zealand for details.[1]
Who enforces sick leave rights in Wellington?
Enforcement and dispute resolution are handled by national agencies such as Employment New Zealand and the Employment Relations Authority, not Wellington bylaw enforcement.[2]
Do I need a form to claim unpaid sick leave?
There is no Wellington-specific form; use the dispute and complaints guidance on the Employment New Zealand website and ERA procedures if needed.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Wellington does not set separate paid sick leave bylaws; national law applies.
  • Document dates, reasons and evidence; retain payroll records.
  • Use Employment New Zealand and the ERA for disputes and enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Employment New Zealand - Sick leave and pay
  2. [2] Employment Relations Authority

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