New Zealand has no statutory minimum overtime rate — the Employment Relations Act does not require time-and-a-half, double time, or any premium for overtime hours. Your rate for overtime work depends entirely on your employment agreement. This calculator lets you calculate your gross overtime pay and estimated take-home based on your actual rate.
NZ law does not require any overtime premium. Your overtime rate is whatever your employment agreement specifies — commonly time-and-a-half (1.5×) or double time (2×) by convention, but not by law. Always check your individual employment agreement or collective agreement before assuming a premium rate applies.
Overtime Pay Calculator
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NZ Overtime Law: What You Need to Know
There Is No Legal Minimum Overtime Rate
Under the Employment Relations Act 2000, employers must pay at least the minimum wage for all hours worked — including overtime hours. However, there is no legal requirement for any premium (time-and-a-half etc.) unless your employment agreement specifies one.
What Your Agreement May Say
| Common Agreement Type | What It Typically States |
|---|---|
| Individual employment agreement | Check the “hours of work” and “remuneration” clauses specifically |
| Collective agreement (union) | Often includes overtime rates; check your specific collective |
| No specific overtime clause | Normal rate applies for all hours |
If your agreement is silent on overtime, your employer can pay standard rate for overtime hours — and this is legal.
Time Off in Lieu (TOIL)
Many NZ employers offer time off in lieu instead of overtime pay — extra hours worked result in equivalent time off. TOIL is also not legally required to be at a premium rate unless your agreement specifies it.
Common Overtime Rates in NZ (by Convention)
Although not required by law, these rates are commonly offered:
| Scenario | Common Practice |
|---|---|
| Standard overtime | 1.5× base rate (time and a half) |
| Public holidays worked | 1.5× + alternative holiday day off (this IS legally required under the Holidays Act for “otherwise working days”) |
| Weekend (if not normal hours) | Varies — often 1.25× to 1.5× |
| Night shift premium | 15–25% above base (if specified in agreement) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is time-and-a-half required in NZ?
No — except for public holidays worked that fall on your “otherwise working day.” For all other overtime, the rate depends on your employment agreement.
What about public holidays?
Public holidays in NZ have specific rules under the Holidays Act 2003: if you work on a public holiday that would otherwise have been a working day for you, you must be paid at least time-and-a-half (1.5×) AND receive an alternative holiday day off.
Can my employer force me to work overtime?
Only if your employment agreement requires it. Employees cannot be forced to work unreasonable overtime hours regardless of what agreements say.