Parenting Plan (New Zealand)
Care of Children Act 2004 — Care and Contact Agreement
PARENTING PLAN
Made under the Care of Children Act 2004 (New Zealand)
Date: [Plan Date]
The Parents
This Parenting Plan is made between:
Parent 1: [Parent 1 Name], of [Parent 1 Address], phone [Parent 1 Phone], email [Parent 1 Email]; and
Parent 2: [Parent 2 Name], of [Parent 2 Address], phone [Parent 2 Phone], email [Parent 2 Email].
The Parents are the parents and/or guardians of the following children:
1. [Child 1 Name], born [Child 1 DOB]
2. [Child 2 Name], born [Child 2 DOB]
3. [Child 3 Name]
Purpose and Principles
This Parenting Plan is made under the Care of Children Act 2004 (COCA). The Parents acknowledge that the welfare and best interests of the children are the paramount consideration. The Parents agree to cooperate in a child-focused manner, to support the children's ongoing relationship with both parents, and to minimise conflict and disruption in the children's lives.
Day-to-Day Care
The day-to-day care of the children will be [Primary Care Arrangement].
Regular Contact Schedule:
[Contact Schedule]
Handover Arrangements:
[Handover Arrangements]
Holidays and Special Occasions
School Holidays:
[School Holiday Arrangements]
Christmas and New Year:
[Christmas Arrangements]
Other Special Occasions:
[Special Occasions]
Guardianship and Major Decisions
[Guardianship Decisions]
Emergency Medical Decisions:
[Emergency Medical]
Communication Between Parents
[Parent Communication]
Dispute Resolution
[Dispute Resolution]
Review of This Plan
The Parents agree to review this Parenting Plan at least annually, or sooner if there is a significant change in circumstances. Changes must be agreed in writing and signed by both Parents. Nothing in this Plan prevents either Parent from applying to the Family Court under the Care of Children Act 2004 if agreement cannot be reached.
Signatures
Signed by Parent 1: [Parent 1 Name]
Signature: ___________________________ Date: ___________
Signed by Parent 2: [Parent 2 Name]
Signature: ___________________________ Date: ___________
Parent 1
________________
Signature
Parent 2
________________
Signature
What Is a Parenting Plan (New Zealand)?
A Parenting Plan in New Zealand records the care, contact, and decision-making arrangements for a child between the parents or guardians, consistent with the Care of Children Act 2004.
When Do You Need a Parenting Plan (New Zealand)?
A Parenting Plan is needed whenever parties in New Zealand wish to formalize their arrangement regarding personal legal matters, family affairs, and individual rights. There are numerous situations in which this document becomes essential for protecting the interests of all involved parties. You may need this document in various circumstances, including when entering into new agreements, when formalizing existing arrangements, or when addressing specific legal requirements in New Zealand. Having proper documentation in place is essential for protecting your rights and interests. You should also consider using a Parenting Plan when there has been a change in circumstances that affects an existing arrangement, when you need to comply with new regulatory requirements, when you wish to update outdated documentation, or when professional advisors recommend formalizing certain aspects of your affairs. In New Zealand, maintaining current and accurate legal documentation is considered established standards and can help prevent costly disputes. It is generally advisable to prepare a Parenting Plan before any issues arise, rather than trying to document terms after a dispute has already begun. Proactive documentation provides clarity and reduces the potential for misunderstandings. If you are unsure whether you need this document for your specific situation in New Zealand, consulting with a qualified legal professional can provide guidance tailored to your circumstances. The timing of executing a Parenting Plan is also important. In New Zealand, certain documents must be executed before specific actions are taken or within prescribed time periods to be effective. Delaying the preparation of necessary legal documents can result in complications, lost rights, or additional costs. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare this document as early as possible once the need has been identified.
What to Include in Your Parenting Plan (New Zealand)
A well-drafted Parenting Plan for use in New Zealand should contain several essential elements to confirm it is legally effective and provides adequate protection for all parties. Party Identification: The document should clearly identify all parties involved, including their full legal names, addresses, and relevant identification numbers. For individuals in New Zealand, this may include identity card or passport numbers. For companies, registration numbers and registered addresses should be specified. Clear identification prevents disputes about who is bound by the agreement. Recitals and Background: The document should include background information explaining the context and purpose of the arrangement. This helps establish the parties' intentions and can be important in interpreting the terms of the document if any ambiguity arises later. The recitals section provides valuable context for the operative provisions that follow. Operative Terms: The core terms and conditions should be set out clearly and thoroughly. This includes the rights and obligations of each party, any conditions or prerequisites, the duration of the arrangement, and any limitations or restrictions. All key terms should be defined precisely to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes. Payment and Financial Terms: Where applicable, the document should specify any payments, fees, deposits, or other financial considerations. The amounts, currency (NZD), payment schedules, and methods of payment should be clearly stated. Any provisions for late payment, interest charges, or adjustments should also be included. Term and Termination: The document should specify its duration, including the start date, end date or conditions for expiry, and any provisions for renewal or extension. The circumstances under which either party may terminate the arrangement early should be clearly defined, along with any notice requirements and the consequences of termination. Dispute Resolution: The document should include provisions for resolving any disputes that may arise, such as negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. In New Zealand, parties may choose to specify the jurisdiction of New Zealand courts and the applicable law. Including a clear dispute resolution mechanism can save significant time and expense if disagreements occur. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: The document should specify that it is governed by the laws of New Zealand and that disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of New Zealand courts. This is particularly important in cross-border transactions or where parties are based in different jurisdictions. Signatures and Execution: The document must be properly signed by all parties or their authorised representatives. In New Zealand, certain documents may need to be witnessed, notarised, or executed as deeds to be legally effective. The date of execution should be clearly recorded, and each party should retain an original signed copy for their records. The forms-legal.com Parenting Plan (New Zealand) provides a ready-to-use template that meets New Zealand legal requirements.
Cite this page
Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Parenting Plan (New Zealand) (New Zealand) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/family/parenting-plan-new-zealand
"Parenting Plan (New Zealand) (New Zealand)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/family/parenting-plan-new-zealand.
@misc{formslegal-parenting-plan-new-zealand,
author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Parenting Plan (New Zealand) (New Zealand)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/new-zealand/personal/family/parenting-plan-new-zealand}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Care of Children Act 2004}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
A parenting plan on its own is not automatically legally binding in New Zealand. It is a voluntary written agreement between parents or guardians about the care and guardianship of their children. However, under section 40 of the Care of Children Act 2004, a parenting plan can be filed with the Family Court and made into a consent order, at which point it has the full force and effect of a court order. If a parent breaches a consent order, the other parent can apply to the Family Court for enforcement. Even without court approval, a well-drafted parenting plan provides a clear framework that reduces conflict and gives both parents a shared understanding of their responsibilities. The Family Court encourages parents to use parenting plans as the first step before pursuing formal court orders.
The Care of Children Act 2004 (COCA) is the primary legislation governing parenting arrangements in New Zealand. The central principle of COCA is that the welfare and best interests of the child are the paramount consideration in all decisions about their care and upbringing. COCA distinguishes between 'guardianship' (the right and responsibility to make important decisions about a child's life — such as schooling, medical treatment, and religion) and 'day-to-day care' (the right to have the child living with you on a day-to-day basis). Under COCA, both parents are usually guardians of a child born within a relationship. COCA also recognises the right of children to have a relationship with both parents and with grandparents and other significant people in their lives. Section 5 of COCA lists a range of principles that courts must apply, including that children's safety must be protected, children should be heard, and arrangements should foster ongoing relationships with both parents where it is safe to do so.
Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) is a mediation-based process in New Zealand that helps separated parents reach agreement about parenting arrangements without going to court. Under the Family Dispute Resolution Act 2013 and the Family Court Act 1980, most parents must attempt FDR before they can apply to the Family Court for a parenting order under the Care of Children Act 2004. There are exceptions — for example, where there is family violence, urgency, or one parent cannot be located. FDR is run by accredited FDR providers. Eligible families can access subsidised FDR through government funding. The FDR mediator is neutral and helps the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. If FDR is successful, the agreement can be recorded in a parenting plan and, if desired, filed with the Family Court as a consent order. If FDR is unsuccessful, the mediator issues a certificate allowing the parties to proceed to court.
Holiday and special occasion arrangements are one of the most important and often most contentious parts of a New Zealand parenting plan. A well-drafted parenting plan should specifically address: school holiday periods (Term 1, 2, 3, and 4 holidays plus the long summer holidays from December to January); public holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Easter, and Waitangi Day; each parent's birthday; the child's birthday; Mother's Day and Father's Day; and any culturally significant dates relevant to the family. Common approaches include alternating arrangements (e.g. one parent has Christmas in odd years, the other in even years), splitting holidays (e.g. first half of summer with one parent, second half with the other), and fixed annual allocations. The plan should also specify how notice is to be given for holiday travel, what happens when holidays fall during the other parent's scheduled time, and how changes are to be agreed. Clear, detailed provisions about holidays significantly reduce conflict and avoid the need to return to court.
A Parenting Plan (New Zealand) does not legally require a lawyer in New Zealand, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Care of Children Act 2004 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified New Zealand lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The High Court of New Zealand has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Companies Office may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
Found an error? Let us knowRelated Documents
You may also find these documents useful:
Adoption Consent Form (New Zealand)
Create a New Zealand Adoption Consent Form for a parent or guardian consenting to the adoption of a child. Compliant with the Adoption Act 1955, including provisions for specific or general consent, conditions, independent legal advice acknowledgement, and witness certification under the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957. Required before a Family Court adoption order under section 11 of the Adoption Act 1955.
Caregiver Agreement (New Zealand)
Create a Caregiver Agreement for New Zealand governed by the Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 (HDSS Act), the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, and the Privacy Act 2020. This template covers elderly and disability in-home care, childcare, respite care and live-in arrangements, caregiver qualifications, care service schedules, NZD hourly rates, GST obligations, Holidays Act 2003 entitlements, Health and Disability Commissioner Code rights, emergency contacts, safeguarding obligations, confidentiality, and term and termination provisions.
Change of Address Letter (New Zealand)
A Change of Address Letter in New Zealand is a formal written notification sent to government agencies, financial institutions, employers, insurers, professional bodies, and other organisations to update their records with a person's or business's new address. In New Zealand, individuals are legally required to maintain a current address with several government agencies. Under the Land Transport Rule: Driver Licensing 1999, a driver licence holder must notify the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) of an address change within 90 days. Under the Electoral Act 1993, voters must update their electoral roll registration within one month of moving. Under the Inland Revenue Act 1994, taxpayers must maintain a current address with Inland Revenue (IRD). Businesses must maintain a current registered office address under the Companies Act 1993. This template generates a professional, formal change of address notification letter suitable for use with any New Zealand government agency, bank, insurer, employer, or other organisation, and covers both individual and business address changes.
Parenting Agreement (New Zealand)
A comprehensive Parenting Agreement for New Zealand parents separating or co-parenting, made under the Care of Children Act 2004. Covers day-to-day care (custody), contact arrangements, school holiday schedules, guardianship decisions on education and medical treatment, international travel, and dispute resolution through Family Dispute Resolution (FDR). The child's welfare and best interests is the paramount consideration under section 4 of COCA.