13 February 2008
Family First Acknowledges Rich Decision
Family First NZ is acknowledging the decision of National MP Katherine Rich to retire from politics and focus on her
family.
"I would imagine that this would have been a difficult decision for Katherine Rich because of her political experience
and the possibility of being a Cabinet Minister should National win the election later this year," says Bob McCoskrie,
National Director of Family First NZ. "We do need the voice of parents in Parliament."
"However, her decision is similar to many other parents who are sacrificing career and income to be more actively
involved as parents. And perhaps the ones most celebrating her decision are her children."
"It is also a reminder that despite huge government pressure to get all parents out working and children into extended
childcare, a huge proportion of parents are resisting the pressure and are choosing to have a full-time parent caring
for the children."
Research by the Ministry of Social Development last year found that 1/3'rd of all working couples were unhappy they both
have to work. And only 43% of kiwi mums with children under 3 are in some form of paid work.
Family First congratulates Katherine Rich for putting her family first!
ENDS