Sorting out child support in New Zealand

Child support in New Zealand is run by Inland Revenue. It assesses the amount using both parents’ incomes and the care each provides, and can collect and pass it on, or you can agree a private arrangement and register it.

Keep your own record of payments; an Inland Revenue formula assessment is the easiest to enforce when a private arrangement stops working.

• Inland Revenue’s child support line is 0800 221 221 (ird.govt.nz).
• If you receive Sole Parent Support, child support is usually paid through Inland Revenue and affects your benefit.
• Shared care of at least 28 percent of nights changes the assessment, so the care arrangement matters for money too.

Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.

• The amount is worked out by a formula, not negotiated in the dark.
• Private agreements are possible, but a formal assessment is easier to enforce.
• Keep a record of what was paid and when; disputes are almost always about the record.
• Tell the agency promptly when income or care arrangements change.

Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for New Zealand families.