Living and working on a New Zealand dairy farm - Settlement Support

Queen’s Birthday
Labour Day
Provincial Anniversary Day
Sick leave
10 | A guide for migrant dairy farm workers
First Monday in June
Fourth Monday in October
Different provinces have public holidays on different dates
You are entitled to five days’ paid sick leave each year after six months’
continuous employment. Sick leave can be used when you are sick or
injured <strong>and</strong> also when your spouse or partner, or a person who depends on
you for care (such as a child or elderly parent) is sick or injured. If you are
sick before you have worked for six months you can ask your employer if
you can use some of your annual leave or take unpaid leave.
Bereavement leave
After six months’ employment you are entitled to leave if someone close
to you dies. If the person is your spouse, child, brother or sister, mother
or father, gr<strong>and</strong>parent, gr<strong>and</strong>child, or parent of your spouse you are
entitled to three days’ leave. For other bereavements you may be entitled
to one day’s leave.
Wages no less than the minimum wage
The adult minimum wage rates apply for employees aged 16 or over. They
are reviewed every year. Go to www.dol.govt.nz/er/pay/minimumwage to
see the current minimum wage rates.
Deductions
In general, money cannot be deducted from your pay unless you agree to
it, in writing, although some deductions (like PAYE tax) are required by law
<strong>and</strong> do not require written consent.
Immigration New Zeal<strong>and</strong> has also produced a guide to work <strong>and</strong> work rights in
New Zeal<strong>and</strong> that you can find online at www.immigration.govt.nz/workrights.
If you have questions or need more information on employment relations, pay,
holidays, <strong>and</strong> health <strong>and</strong> safety go to the Department of Labour’s website
www.dol.govt.nz or contact the Department of Labour’s contact centre on
0800 20 90 20. Ask for “Language Line” if you want an interpreter.