1 August 2012
Extended Paid Parental Leave a Good Investment
‘We’re pleased that there’s an opportunity for more debate on the issue of extending paid parental leave,” National
Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) President Elizabeth Bang said today.
Elizabeth Bang was commenting on Sue Moroney’s Parental Leave and Employment Protection (Six Months Paid Leave) Amendment Bill which passed its First Reading in parliament last week.
“NCWNZ supports the Bill, which aims to increase the period of paid parental leave from 14 to 26 weeks. We also support
the ‘26 for Babies’ campaign.
“Our ultimate goal though, is to have paid parental leave for twelve months. We believe that such an extension to the
period of paid parental leave would result in significantly improved outcomes for the child, the family and for our
society as a whole,” Elizabeth Bang said.
“Research shows that when children and families are supported during the first two and a half years of a child’s life, a
bond is established between the parent(s) and the child which allows a strong relationship right through and including
the adolescent years. Children who are securely attached are less likely to be aggressive, have addiction problems or
have mental illness in adulthood.
“The Government claims that the cost of extending paid parental leave is currently not affordable. NCWNZ believes that
extending paid parental leave is an essential investment for our society that the Government can’t afford NOT to make,”
concluded Elizabeth Bang.
ENDS