Hours, minimum pay and leave

Seasonal Workers · Know your rights

Seasonal work can be stop-start. The rules protect a minimum income.

What you should get

• PALM short-term workers: since July 2024, employers have had to offer at least 120 hours over 4 weeks, or pay wages equal to 120 hours. This setting has been extended more than once — check the latest PALM minimum hours poster (published in many Pacific languages) for today's rule.
• RSE, contracts of 6 weeks or longer: you must be paid the greater of 240 hours, or an average of 30 hours a week over each 4 weeks, at your hourly rate — even if there is not enough work. Contracts under 6 weeks: 40 hours a week.
• RSE sick leave: 2 days from your first day, then 2 more each month, up to 10 days after 4 months.

Check for

• Your contract states the minimum hours or minimum pay

What you can do

• Keep your own record of hours offered and worked, including days sent home because of weather.

Sources: PALM — Minimum hours settings, information for workers (posters) · PALM — Minimum hours FAQ (July 2024) · Immigration NZ — Minimum requirements for RSE employment agreements · Immigration NZ — Your rights as an RSE worker

This card is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country. Information checked 2 October 2026. For help, see piowr.org/seasonal-workers and piowr.org/tools/find-help.

Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations · Fair Conditions At Work · piowr.org