News release - 18 October 2012

Jaquie Brown leads strong support for extending paid parental leave

After rallying together over 100 children and whanau at a flash mob in Britomart led by Jaquie Brown, 26 for Babies is holding a public meeting to promote Sue Moroney’s Bill to extend paid parental leave to 26 weeks. The meeting will be held at The Fickling Centre, 546 Mt Albert Rd, Mt Albert this coming Tuesday at 7pm.

A group of comedians, politicians and experts including Michelle A’Court, Jaquie Brown, Sue Moroney, Jan Logie, Marama Davidson (Ngapuhi/Te Rarawa/Ngati Porou) and Tim Hazledine will argue that extending paid parental leave from 14 to 26 weeks is a vital step in caring for the country’s most precious assets, our children.

Among the panel of speakers is Tim Hazledine, an economist who will argue that it is in New Zealand’s best interest that the leave is extended despite Bill English’s belief that extending the leave will be too costly. Both Jacquie Brown and Michelle A’Court are expected to draw a large crowd and keep the evening fun and informative.

Although submissions have closed, 26 for Babies hope that the public meeting will generate support and put pressure on the two political parties who are not in favour of the Bill – National and Act.

“Paid parental leave is about investing in our kids and ultimately New Zealand’s future” The benefits of extending such leave would flow right through the community as well as enabling parents to spend precious time bonding with and caring for, their new born babies.

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