Frequently asked questions

How do I check if I am entitled to a payment?

Former employees who are entitled to a payment have been sent a letter to their last known postal address from their time of employment with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. If you did not receive this letter and believe you are entitled to a payment, you can submit a claim via the website:

Former employees – registration / application form

Current employees, there is no need for you to submit a claim. Any money owing has already been deposited into the primary bank account recorded in the payroll system. 

Which leave types are being recalculated?

There are applicable leave types:

• Annual leave
• Family violence
• Sick leave
• Sick domestic
• Bereavement
• Alternative leave
• Public holidays.

Who is owed a payment?

You may be eligible for a payment if you were employed by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency at some time between 17 March 2011 and 10 June 2020.

Not all employees over that time were affected. The issues largely related to employees who had fluctuating work patterns, worked additional hours or received some additional allowances.

A payment is owed where there is a difference between what was paid for the leave day, and what should have been paid if the correct calculation had been made. The total calculated is a gross amount, from which income tax will be deducted, in accordance with income tax requirements. Inland Revenue is able to advise employees on the possible tax and other financial impacts of receiving a payment. 

How much will my payment be?

If you are entitled to a payment and have verified your identity, we will send you a breakdown of the amount to be paid at the time of payment. 

When will the payment be made?

For those entitled to a payment, the 2020/2021 planned payment dates are as follows:

When will payments be backdated to?

Payments that are owed will be backdated to 17 March 2011. 

How can I claim on behalf of a deceased person, or someone for whom I hold power of attorney?

You will need to provide documentation to verify your identity and to confirm you are authorised to act on behalf of the estate or person.

Please complete the form – claiming on behalf of a former NZ Transport Agency employee:

Former employees – registration / application form

What tax impacts will there be on payments?

We encourage you to contact the relevant organisations such as Inland Revenue for advice about whether your remediation payment affects any agreement you have with them about your current earnings, benefits, child support or any other matters.

The Inland Revenue website has useful information on tax treatment of lump sum payments such as this:

Lump sum payments(external link) (Inland Revenue website)

You can also contact the IRD directly on 0800 227 774, or using your MyIR account. 

Contact us for any further questions you may have

You can email your query to HolidaysAct@nzta.govt.nz