INTRODUCTION

The Employment Leave Act 2026 introduces a new framework for managing employment leave in New Zealand. It changes the language, concepts, and information behind payroll processing, including how working hours are described, how leave is accrued and paid, how an otherwise working day is considered, and what must appear in payroll records and pay statements. Payroll practitioners will need a sound foundation before moving into detailed rules, calculations and implementation ahead of the new framework taking effect in 2028.

The NZPPA Certificate in the Employment Leave Act 2026: Introduction (Level 2) is an entry-level introduction for payroll practitioners. Using plain-language explanations, guided payroll examples, interactive activities and knowledge checks, it helps learners understand the shape of the new framework, recognise key payroll impacts and build the vocabulary needed for further learning. It is the first building block in a series designed to progressively develop the skills and knowledge required to confidently apply the new Act in payroll.

DESIGNED FOR

Payroll practitioners who process New Zealand payroll or employee leave and need an entry-level understanding of the Employment Leave Act 2026. The course is suitable for practitioners who are new to the legislation as well as experienced practitioners beginning their transition learning. No prior technical knowledge of the Act is assumed.

COURSE PURPOSE

This course provides a clear starting point for understanding the Act from a payroll perspective. It focuses on awareness, language and foundational concepts: why the framework is changing, how it is organised, what the essential terms mean, where the main leave and payment concepts sit, and which payroll data, records and processes will be affected.

As the first building block in the NZPPA learning pathway, the course prepares learners for later courses that develop practical application, calculation, complex-scenario and implementation skills. Completion provides an entry-level understanding; it does not by itself establish competence to independently interpret or apply every detailed rule.

COURSE DELIVERY

This course is delivered as a self-directed eLearning course. Learners can work through the course activities and resources within the eLearning environment.

• All learning activities are available through the eLearning environment. When the course begins, a printed course manual will be couriered to each learner to guide them through the course.
• Downloadable information is available online, together with links to relevant external websites and supporting resources.
• Activities and assessments can be accessed and uploaded through the eLearning environment. Work is marked online, and results and feedback are reported to the learner through the same environment.
• Learners who wish to begin before the printed course material arrives can access the course manual online as a flipbook.

COURSE DURATION

From the booked course start date, the online course will be available to the learner for up to six weeks. The course is based on a total of 24 hours of learning and is designed to be undertaken on a part-time basis (4 hours per week for 6 weeks). The course can be completed faster, depending on the learner’s needs. A learner can request an extension if work commitments or other circumstances require additional time.

COURSE STRUCTURE

• Module 1: Starting the learning pathway: why the leave system is changing
• Module 2: The Act at a glance: purpose, timing and structure
• Module 3: Essential terminology: the payroll glossary
• Module 4: Introduction to working-hour categories and multiple roles
• Module 5: Overview of leave entitlements and accrual in hours
• Module 6: Introduction to otherwise working days (OWD) and public holidays
• Module 7: Overview of alternative, bereavement and family violence leave
• Module 8: Introduction to leave payments, cash-up and final pay
• Module 9: Understanding Leave Compensation Payment (LCP)
• Module 10: Records, pay statements, payroll readiness and next learning steps

COURSE CERTIFICATE

On successful completion of all assessment activities, the learner will be awarded the NZPPA Certificate in the Employment Leave Act 2026: Introduction (Level 2).

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this introductory course, learners will be able to:

• Describe, at a high level, why the leave system is changing and the purpose, commencement and structure of the Employment Leave Act 2026.
• Identify the major changes that will affect payroll terminology, data, systems and day-to-day processing.
• Explain essential terms in simple payroll contexts, including standard hours, additional hours, casual hours, otherwise working day, notional roster and Leave Compensation Payment.
• Distinguish the main working-hour categories in straightforward examples and recognise multiple-role, agreement or other complex situations that require further guidance or escalation.
• Explain conceptually how annual and sick leave will accrue in hours and where leave payments and Leave Compensation Payment (LCP) fit within the new framework.
• Recognise when otherwise working day (OWD) and public holiday considerations arise and identify the basic information needed before a decision can be made.
• Summarise the main leave types covered by the Act and their relevance to payroll processing.
• Identify high-level record-keeping, pay-statement, data and system-readiness requirements, and the further learning needed before independently applying detailed rules and calculations.

COURSE COST

Special prebooking rate (if pre-booked before 1 October 2026 launch):

• NZPPA members: $575 + GST
• Non-members: $775 + GST

From 1 October 2026:

• NZPPA members: $675 + GST
• Non-members: $875 + GST

*For group bookings, NZPPA can also offer a 25% discount off the course price for the second learner. To get this discount, please email: training@nzppa.co.nz