All life stages
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Having a Baby
Understand parental leave entitlements, budget for the income drop and plan for your child's future.
6 mins read
📊 Key Numbers for This Stage
Paid parental leave
Up to 26 weeks
NZ$754/week maximum (primary carer, 2026)
Best Start payment
NZ$69.46/week
For first year regardless of income; income-tested after
Average childcare cost
NZ$350–450/week
From age 1–2; reduces significantly from age 3
20 hours ECE free
From age 3
Per week at approved early childhood education centres
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⏭️ What Comes Next?
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Next stage
Buying a Home
Deposits, mortgages, grants and what you can afford