Wed 1 Aug, 2007
It’s about time
Towards a parental leave policy that gives New Zealand Families real choice
A pamphlet outlining the Families Commission recommendations on Paid Parental Leave. A Summary Report, August 2007
Parental leave is important. All of society benefits when children get the best possible start in life.
Our research of national and international information and policy shows that broad, well-funded parental leave policies:
- can help the health of mother and baby
- help make up for a drop in family income following the birth of a child
- help employers to attract and retain skilled workers
- provide recognition and support to families with children
- help parents to decide how to share care and work responsibilities following the birth of a child
- allow parents to take time out of work without affecting their job prospects.
New Zealand’s parental leave policy can be improved The New Zealand Government introduced and began funding paid parental leave in 2002 and is committed to ongoing review and improvement. Parents are currently entitled to 14 weeks paid leave, one to two weeks unpaid paternity/partner leave and 38 weeks of unpaid job-protection leave.
Over the next few years the Families Commission would like to see a staged increase in parental leave so that more people are eligible for more support. By 2015 the Commission believes parents should be provided with a total of 13 months paid leave – fully funded by the government.
