Story perspectives

NZ Petition Demands Raising Bereavement Leave to Ten Days

6/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

A petition titled “Increase the minimum bereavement leave entitlement to ten days” seeks to raise New Zealand’s bereavement leave from three to ten days.
The campaign began after Lauren Hemens died in a June 2023 accident, with the petition remaining open until August 10 despite the March 2026 Employment Leave Bill keeping the three-day entitlement unchanged.
Businesses offer longer leave, and Britain (10 days), Portugal (20 days) and France (14 days) provide more generous provisions.

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Story summary

A petition titled “Increase the minimum bereavement leave entitlement to ten days” seeks to raise New Zealand’s bereavement leave from three to ten days.
The campaign began after Lauren Hemens died in a June 2023 accident, with the petition remaining open until August 10 despite the March 2026 Employment Leave Bill keeping the three-day entitlement unchanged.
Businesses offer longer leave, and Britain (10 days), Portugal (20 days) and France (14 days) provide more generous provisions.