New Zealand First Kiwi Kids Grant plans to pay parents for having children
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has proposed a 'Kiwi Kids Grant' that would pay parents $5,000 annually for three years to encourage higher birth rates. The policy aims to address the country's declining population growth by reducing the financial burden on families.
Why it matters
The proposal highlights a growing political debate in Western nations regarding demographic decline and the role of government subsidies in family planning.
New Zealand First wants more people to have babies - and would pay them to do it.
The party also confirmed former Defence Minister Ron Mark was returning to the party , and will stand in the election.
At a public meeting in Masterton, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said New Zealand was facing a "population precipice," and the rate of New Zealand citizens having children had fallen dramatically.
"We need more Kiwis having more children, and one way to do that is to substantially lower the main barrier most are facing, that is the cost," he said.
The party's Kiwi Kids Grant would seek to arrest that fall, by paying parents $5000 a year for the first three years, and for up to three children.
Peters announced the grant at an NZ First public meeting.
To qualify, one parent would need to be a New Zealand citizen.
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