ANZ Bank New Zealand increases paid parental leave to 26 weeks!

Twenty-six-year-old Chloe Taylor-Dykman is expecting her first child in July with her partner Zane, a builder. Photo Credit: ANZ

FlexCareers employer partner ANZ has increased paid parental leave to 26 weeks!  In a move celebrated as creating one of the most generous parental leave entitlements amongst New Zealand’s large employers, staff at ANZ will be able to access 26 weeks paid leave at their usual salary, plus an additional 2 weeks family leave, usually taken prior to the birth of their child.

ANZ employs over 8,000 staff, and around 240 take parental leave each year. CEO David Hisco wants staff to feel supported so they can give their kids the best start in life. He said, “I’m a dad and remember those sleepless nights with my boys and wife Debs. I know those first months are important – they grow and develop so quickly – so I want our staff to feel they can choose to spend time at home if they wish, with less financial strain.”

The change comes two years ahead of the Government’s legislated changes in 2020, and for twenty-six-year-old ANZ Insurance Claims Administrator, Chloe Taylor-Dykman, it means she’ll now be able to stretch her budget and spend a full 12-months at home with her first child, who she and partner Zane will welcome in July.  “I’ve always thought ANZ paid parental leave was good, especially after discussing it with my friends who are also having babies, but these changes are amazing,” Ms Taylor-Dykman said. ““I want to give our baby the best start and be able to stay at home as long as I can afford. I feel lucky to work for a good organisation like ANZ, as it makes me want to come back to work after taking parental leave.”

ANZ also gives employees on parental leave a lump-sum employer contribution to reduce the impact of unpaid leave on their KiwiSaver balances. Leave also accrues and employees can attend work for a paid day every three months to remain in contact with their teams.  David Hisco said, “This is another way we value and look after our employees. We want our people to feel supported and remain working for us while they have their families.”

FlexCareers is incredibly proud to partner with ANZ, who recognise that the need to balance work and life is important for their employees.  And it’s not just parents that are supported, ANZ offer flexible work and leave options to support caring responsibilities, sporting or study opportunities, volunteering and travel aspirations, or any other commitments and ambitions.  Extending paid parental leave re-affirms their position as one of new Zealand’s employers of choice, and organisation that truly values and cares for it’s people.

You can find out more and apply to flexible roles with ANZ here.