The Leave Application Letter is a standard employment document used across New Zealand workplaces to formally request and document time away from work. This document is essential for compliance with New Zealand's Holidays Act 2003 and the Employment Relations Act 2000, which establish employees' leave entitlements and employers' obligations. A Leave Application Letter should be submitted with reasonable notice (except in emergencies) and must include specific details about the leave period, type of leave requested (such as annual leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, or parental leave), and arrangements for managing work responsibilities during absence. The document serves multiple purposes: it formalizes the leave request process, helps maintain accurate leave records, ensures proper work coverage, and protects both employer and employee interests by documenting the agreed leave arrangements.

1. Employee Information: Full name, employee ID, position, and department

2. Date and Recipient: Current date and details of the person to whom the letter is addressed (usually immediate supervisor or HR manager)

3. Leave Details: Type of leave requested, start and end dates, total number of days

4. Reason for Leave: Brief explanation of why the leave is being requested

5. Handover Information: Brief outline of how ongoing work responsibilities will be managed during absence