National pledges to extend parental leave to 30 weeks if re-elected

<p>National has pledged to extend paid parental leave from 26 weeks to 30, if re-elected.</p> <p><b>By Giles Dexter for </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/politics/797174/national-promises-to-extend-paid-parental-leave-from-26-weeks-to-30-if-re-elected" target="_blank">RNZ</a></p> <p>The party is also proposing to revive a policy that allows parents to take some or all of their leave at the same time.</p> <p>Since 2020, primary carers have been eligible for 26 weeks of paid leave and an additional 26 weeks of unpaid leave.</p> <p>National has proposed changing the entitlement incrementally, increasing it to 27 weeks in 2027, 28 weeks in 2028, and then 30 weeks in 2029.</p> <p>Finance spokesperson Nicola Willis said the policy modernised paid parental leave, supporting families to give them more financial breathing space while they took on caregiving responsibilities.</p> <p>"The birth of a child is an expensive time, as families juggle the costs that come with a new baby while their household income is less than when both parents are in paid…