Child Support in New Zealand (2026 Guide)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Child support is money one parent pays to help with the cost of raising a child they don't (mostly) live with. In New Zealand it's run by Inland Revenue under the Child Support Act 1991. Either parent can apply for a formula assessment, which calculates payments based on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the share of nights each parent cares for them.
Parents can also make their own private agreement if they prefer. If your circumstances are unusual (for example, high costs for a disability), you can apply for an administrative review (change of assessment). Disputes about the assessment can ultimately be appealed to the Family Court. Inland Revenue can enforce unpaid child support, including by deductions from wages.
When does it apply?
- You're the main carer and need financial support from the other parent.
- You're a paying parent and want a fair, income-based assessment.
- Your circumstances have changed and the assessment no longer fits.
What to do about child support
- Apply to Inland Revenue for a formula assessment (or agree privately).
- Keep your income and care-night details accurate — they drive the calculation.
- Apply for a change of assessment if special circumstances apply.
- Contact IR Child Support on 0800 221 221 for help.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't stop paying because of a dispute — arrears accrue and IR can enforce.
- Don't under-declare income — IR cross-checks tax data.
- Don't rely on a verbal deal — record any private agreement.
About Family Law in New Zealand
New Zealand family matters run through the Family Court and a set of focused statutes. The Care of Children Act 2004 governs day-to-day care and contact (the modern term for "custody and access"); the Family Proceedings Act 1980 covers dissolution of marriage (divorce); the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 divides relationship property; the Family Violence Act 2018 provides protection orders; and the Child Support Act 1991 (administered by Inland Revenue) sets child support. For most parenting disputes you must try Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) mediation before going to court.
Family Court: 0800 268 787. Family violence emergency: 111; Women's Refuge: 0800 733 843.
Common Questions
What is the child support right in New Zealand?
Child support is money one parent pays to help with the cost of raising a child they don't (mostly) live with. In New Zealand it's run by Inland Revenue under the Child Support Act 1991. Either parent can apply for a formula assessment, which calculates payments based on both parents' incomes, the number of children, and the share of nights each parent cares for them.Parents can also make their own private agreement if they prefer. If your circumstances are unusual (for example, high costs for a disability), you can apply for an administrative review (change of assessment). Disputes about the...
When does it apply — child support?
You're the main carer and need financial support from the other parent.You're a paying parent and want a fair, income-based assessment.Your circumstances have changed and the assessment no longer fits.
How is child support calculated in New Zealand?
Apply to Inland Revenue for a formula assessment (or agree privately).Keep your income and care-night details accurate — they drive the calculation.Apply for a change of assessment if special circumstances apply.Contact IR Child Support on 0800 221 221 for help.
What should you NOT do — child support?
Don't stop paying because of a dispute — arrears accrue and IR can enforce.Don't under-declare income — IR cross-checks tax data.Don't rely on a verbal deal — record any private agreement.