How much notice must I give when resigning in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, notice is governed by your Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) or Collective Agreement—there is no general statutory minimum period set in legislation for employees. Most contracts specify between two to four weeks. If your agreement does not specify notice, you must give 'reasonable notice' under the Employment Relations Act 2000.

How is final pay calculated when you resign in New Zealand?

Under the Holidays Act 2003, your final pay must include payment for all hours worked up to your last day, payment for any unused annual holidays at the greater of your ordinary weekly pay or average weekly earnings, plus 8% of your gross earnings since your last holiday entitlement date (if employed less than 12 months or since your last anniversary). KiwiSaver employer contributions also apply.

Can an employer in NZ deduct money from my final pay if I leave early?

Under the Wages Protection Act 1983, an employer cannot deduct money from your pay without your specific written consent, unless a lawful deduction clause was agreed in your employment agreement or mandated by a court or Inland Revenue.

Can I resign by email in New Zealand?

Yes. Written notice sent via email is legally recognized under Employment New Zealand guidelines, unless your employment agreement specifically requires physical printed notice. Email provides a clear, dated record of receipt.

Free · New Zealand · Not legal advice

Resignation Letter (New Zealand)

A New Zealand resignation letter confirms your resignation and final working day in writing. Copy the Kiwi template below, then check the notice period in your Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) or Collective Agreement before handing it in.

Reviewed by Editorial TeamLast reviewed: September 2026

How much notice to give in New Zealand

New Zealand does not have a single statutory minimum notice period for employees resigning—the notice required is governed by the terms in your employment agreement. Most agreements specify between two to four weeks. If your agreement does not specify a notice period, common law requires you to give 'reasonable notice' based on your role, seniority, and how long it reasonably takes to find a replacement. Notice starts the day after you give it to your employer.

Check your Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) or Collective Agreement for your required notice period.
If your agreement is silent, 'reasonable notice' is legally required (typically 2 to 4 weeks depending on seniority).
Under the Holidays Act 2003, any accrued untaken annual holidays plus 8% of gross earnings since your last anniversary must be paid out.
Under the Wages Protection Act 1983, employers cannot make deductions from your final pay without written consent.
KiwiSaver employer contributions must be paid on all earnings up to your last working day.

Check your employment agreement and the official Employment New Zealand guidance before confirming your last day.

Standard New Zealand resignation letter

Dear Alex Rivera,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Marketing Coordinator at Acme Ltd. In accordance with the notice period in my employment agreement, my last working day will be 13 October 2026.

Thank you for the support, guidance, and opportunities during my time with the team. I appreciate what I have learned here and will do everything I can to complete my current projects and ensure a smooth handover.

Kind regards,
Jordan Lee

Short New Zealand resignation letter

Dear Alex Rivera,

Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my role as Marketing Coordinator at Acme Ltd. My last working day will be 13 October 2026, in line with my notice period.

Thank you for the opportunity to work together. I am happy to help with a smooth transition before I finish.

Kind regards,
Jordan Lee

Prefer to build your own wording? Use the resignation letter generator and adjust the tone, names, and dates.

Wording and format in New Zealand

In New Zealand, minimum employment conditions are overseen by Employment New Zealand (MBIE) under the Employment Relations Act 2000. Agreements are either an Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) or a Collective Agreement. Letters open with “Dear [Name]” and close with “Kind regards” or “Yours sincerely.” Use NZ/UK spelling (organisation, realise) and day-month-year dates (e.g., 3 October 2026).

What to do

Check your Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) for the required notice period
State your resignation clearly with your exact final calendar working day
Confirm your final pay date, including accrued holiday pay and 8% gross earnings calculation
Offer a structured handover for ongoing tasks and accounts

What to leave out

Assuming two weeks is standard without checking your written agreement
Allowing unapproved deductions from your final pay without your written consent
Leaving without written, dated confirmation of your departure