There is no single legal definition, but Employment New Zealand generally treats 30 hours or more a week as full time. Anything less is usually classed as part time. Your employment agreement should state your agreed hours, which determines your holiday pay and leave entitlements under the Holidays Act.
How many hours is full time in NZ?
There is no law that sets an exact cutoff. Most employers and payroll systems use 30 hours a week or more as the practical line between full time and part time, but what actually matters is the number written into your employment agreement. That figure, not a general rule, is what your leave and holiday pay get calculated from.
Why does the exact number matter for your pay?
Your agreed hours affect how annual leave, sick leave, and holiday pay are worked out, so a vague verbal agreement can cause real problems later. Full time workers build up 4 weeks of annual leave after 12 months of continuous employment, the same as part timers, but the value of that leave depends on your ordinary hours and pay.
Source: Annual holidays
Sick leave works the same way. After 6 months of continuous employment you're entitled to 10 days of sick leave a year, regardless of whether you work 20 hours or 40, as long as you meet the criteria in your agreement.
Source: Sick leave
What should you check in your own agreement?
If you're not sure whether you're classed as full time or part time, don't guess. Pull out your employment agreement and look for the actual hours clause, because that's the number that governs your entitlements, not whatever your roster happens to look like this week.
- Check the hours stated in your written employment agreement, not just your usual roster
- Confirm whether your role is described as full time, part time, or casual
- Ask if your hours have changed since you started, and whether the agreement was updated
- Work out your annual leave entitlement based on your agreed ordinary hours
- Compare your hourly rate against the adult minimum wage of $23.95 per hour
Source: Minimum wage
If your hours have crept up or down without any paperwork changing, it's worth raising with your manager before it becomes a bigger issue. A quick conversation now is easier than untangling a leave calculation dispute months down the track.
Key takeaways
- Employment New Zealand generally treats 30+ hours a week as full time, but there is no strict legal cutoff
- Your written employment agreement, not a general rule, determines your actual entitlements
- Annual leave (4 weeks after 12 months) and sick leave (10 days after 6 months) apply based on your agreed hours
- Always check your hourly rate sits at or above the adult minimum wage of $23.95 per hour
- If your hours have changed, get your agreement updated to match reality
Frequently asked questions
Is 32 hours a week full time in NZ?
Most employers would treat 32 hours as full time since it sits above the common 30-hour threshold, but there's no strict legal line. Check your employment agreement for the actual classification and hours stated.
Does part time mean fewer entitlements?
No. Part timers still get annual leave, sick leave, and other entitlements, just calculated proportionally to their agreed hours. The core rights under NZ employment law apply regardless of full time or part time status.
Can my employer change my hours without telling me?
No, changes to your agreed hours generally need to be documented and agreed, since your hours affect your pay and leave entitlements. If this has happened to you, raise it directly with your employer first.
How do I know if I'm being paid correctly for my hours?
Compare your payslip against your agreed hours and the minimum wage rate for your situation, whether that's adult or starting-out rates. If the numbers don't add up, ask payroll for a clear breakdown.
If you want to check your pay stacks up properly against your hours and role, try the Salary Calculator for current NZ salary data.