Do you know what sick leave you’re entitled to?
With winter bugs doing the rounds, it’s worth knowing what the rules are about sick leave. So what are you entitled to?
• In general you’re entitled to 5 days’ of sick leave each year after you’ve worked for your employer for 6 months.
• You can accumulate any unused sick leave up to a total of 20 days.
• Sick leave can be used when you’re sick or when you need to be off work to look after someone else who is sick or injured (your partner, child, or someone who relies on you for care).
• Even if you’re a part-time or casual worker, you’re still entitled to 5 days’ of sick leave a year (once you’ve worked for 6 months continuously or for an average of 10 hours per week, and at least one hour in every week or 40 hours in every month).
• Your employer can require you to provide a medical certificate if you’re sick for 3 or more days in a row, and you’ll need to pay to get it. If they want proof of sickness sooner then they will have to pay the costs of getting the proof.
These are the minimum sick leave entitlements. Your employer can agree to give you more.
Check out our website for more information about sick leave and other employment rights and responsibilities. If you’ve got questions get in touch with a CAB near you, call us on 0800 367 222 (0800 FOR CAB), or contact us online.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
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